QLD:Violent sex offender released again in Qld

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2010
QLD:Violent sex offender released again in Qld

By Christine Flatley

BRISBANE, Dec 10 AAP - A violent sex offender has been again returned to the community
despite repeatedly breaching his supervision order.

Darren Anthony Francis has been returned to jail at least three times since he was
first released under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act in 2006.

Francis had served six years behind bars for 18 offences including indecent assault,
assault occasioning bodily harm and possession of dangerous drugs.

His breaches have primarily involved the consumption of drugs, with the latest occurring in June.

He has remained in custody since then.

Brisbane Supreme Court Justice Debbie Mullins this week ordered he be re-released into
the community, but warned he should "try harder" to stay out of trouble.

Lawyers acting for state Attorney-General Cameron Dick did not oppose Francis's supervised
release.

Francis made a failed application to the Court of Appeal in mid-2008 to challenge the
validity of Queensland's sex offender legislation.

AAP cf/crh/nb

KEYWORD: FRANCIS

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