It’s been revealed one of WA’s worst sex offenders — once dubbed a “serial sex monster” in state parliament — is facing two new charges as he fights to try to win his release from custody.
Garry Narkle, 69, is being held in custody under WA’s “High Risk Serious Offender” laws because of his history of sex offending that spans more than 40 years.
He completed his last prison sentence in 2019, and he had been due to face a review, required by the legislation, in the Supreme Court today to determine if he should be released under a strict supervision order.
The lawyer for the state, Daniel McDonnell, told the court that for various reasons the hearing could not proceed, including that Narkle had been charged last week with two new alleged sex offences.
For legal reasons, the exact nature of the charges, which date back decades, cannot be detailed.
Mr McDonnell said in order for Narkle to be released on a supervision order, which was still being contested by the state, he would need to be granted bail by a magistrate on the new charges.
But Narkle’s lawyer, Seamus Rafferty S.C. submitted the new allegations should have no bearing on his client’s bid to be released.
Mr Rafferty said the new charges would be defended and it could take 12 to 18 months before they are finalised.
‘Greatest fear’
Mr Rafferty told the court, the review should take place as soon as possible, adding that Narkle’s health was declining and “his greatest fear was that he was going to die in custody”.
Mr Rafferty said there was evidence already before the court that Narkle’s risk of re-offending could be adequately managed in the community if he was released on a supervision order.
He also said Narkle had accommodation available at the moment, but it was unclear how long that offer would remain.
Justice Joseph McGrath then ruled that the review should take place in late July or early August depending on the availability of Mr McDonnell and Mr Rafferty.
The “High-Risk Serious Offender” laws were first introduced in WA in 2006, after the then Attorney General, Jim McGinty, described Narkle, in Parliament, as “a serial sex monster”.
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