South Coast sex offender narrowly avoids jail for non-consensual acts and knife charges
A South Coast sex offender has narrowly avoided a prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges of non-consensual sexual acts and knife possession in a public place.
Richard Annison, 30, appeared before Moruya Local Court where he admitted to two counts of carrying out a sexual act without consent and two counts of possessing a knife in public.
Defence arguments and aggravating factors
Annison's lawyer, Mr Park, argued that the sexual offences were on the lowest end of the scale of seriousness due to the distance and duration involved. However, he acknowledged that Annison's history of similar offending and being under two community corrections orders at the time were aggravating factors.
Mr Park stated that Annison made eye contact with the victim while gratifying himself, but emphasised that drug addiction was the root cause of his behaviour. Drugs are the issue, they have always been the issue, he told the court, highlighting a clear link between stimulant use and the offences.
Rehabilitation efforts and sentencing decision
Since his arrest, Annison has attended a 42-day residential rehabilitation program and complied with strict bail conditions. Magistrate Doug Dick noted this progress but warned that a jail term was very close.
Mr Dick imposed a $5000 total fine for the sexual acts, reduced from a maximum of $11,000, along with a two-year community corrections order. This order includes monitoring for drug and alcohol treatment and personal development programs.
Additionally, Annison received 250 hours of community service and a $2000 fine for the knife possession charges, which his lawyer attributed to him living in his car at the time.
Magistrate's stern warning
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Dick stressed the unacceptability of Annison's actions, noting his prior offences as a significant concern. It's time for you to repay the community, he said, adding that regaining trust from his family and the community would be a long process.
The case underscores the legal consequences for sexual offences and the role of rehabilitation in sentencing decisions within the South Coast region.
