THE release of sexual predator, Colin Humphrys, from the Mount Gambier Prison has been delayed once again while the courst awaits psychiatric reports.
Humphrys, 66, appeared in the Adelaide Supreme Court via video-link yesterday for an ongoing application for a release on licence.
Humphrys – a repeat offender who was jailed indefinitely in 2009 and has been identified as a “high-risk of re-offending” – was granted release on licence last year.
However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealed the decision, which gave the government enough time to pass a new law, which would help eliminate his chances of release.
Sex offenders are now forced to prove they can control their sexual urges and were no longer a threat to public safety to seek release.
If two of the top psychiatrists produce a report that shows Humphyrs cannot control those urges, he will not be released.
In court yesterday, the DPP revealed those reports should be ready in a month’s time, rather than six months as was previously told to the court.
The issue has been at the top of the Parliament, with the Opposition suggesting the Attorney-General Vickie Chapman was responsible for the six month delay.
However, she refuted those claims, stating she was doing all she could to have sex offenders kept behind bars.
Humphrys’ lawyer conceded it was best to wait for the reports before having the prisoner released on a licence.
He was remanded in custody until the reports are finalised.
If eventually released from the Mount Gambier Prison, Humphrys will live in the Bowden-Brompton suburbs of Adelaide.
