The Supreme Court of Queensland's decision in Attorney-General (Qld) v Watkins [2024] QSC 228 involved the continued detention of Christopher Colin Watkins under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003. The court affirmed prior findings from 2017 that Watkins was a significant danger to the community without a continuing detention order due to his history of violent sexual offenses and psychological diagnoses including potential schizophrenia and a severe personality disorder. Despite Watkins’ progress in therapy and improved engagement in treatment, the psychiatrists remained concerned about his stability and risk of reoffending if released into the community under a supervision order. The court concluded that the community could not be adequately protected by a supervision order at this time, extending Watkins' detention due to the persistent high risk of serious sexual offenses upon release.
Full text: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/149743