Stewart Gorham: Dangerous Sex Offender to Stay in Jail Indefinitely
Stewart Sinclair Gorham, labeled as Western Australia's most dangerous man, will remain behind bars indefinitely after a judge ruled he poses an extreme risk to the community. Gorham has openly admitted that, if released, he would commit violent sexual offences and murder at the first opportunity.
History of Violent Offences
Gorham was initially sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2006 for luring and raping a 12-year-old boy at knifepoint in Willagee. Later that same year, his sentence was extended by four years after he was convicted of raping a fellow remand prisoner at Hakea Prison. His criminal history dates back to 1991, when he served 5½ years for a series of violent and sexual offences against two 16-year-old children, including arson, abduction, threats to kill, and assault with intent to rape. In 1999, he was jailed for another 7½ years for bashing a victim he met at an alcohol rehabilitation centre, resulting in a fractured jaw.
Continuing Detention Order
In October 2022, Gorham was placed on a continuing detention order, which allows for indefinite imprisonment beyond his original sentence. This order was reviewed in 2023 and reaffirmed last week after assessments confirmed he remains at an extremely high risk of committing further violent crimes. Justice Michael Gething emphasized that no supervision conditions could adequately protect the community from Gorham.
Psychiatric Assessment and Threats
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Gosia Wojnarowska diagnosed Gorham with sexual sadism disorder. She reported that Gorham has explicitly stated he does not believe any intervention could eliminate his desire to rape and kill. He detailed plans to hide in a prison carpark upon release, targeting vulnerable males, or to seek out homeless youth in areas like Northbridge or Perth CBD. Gorham has expressed a preference for Caucasian middle-aged men as his primary targets.
Current Incarceration
Gorham is currently held in the Special Handling Unit at Casuarina Prison, a secure facility for inmates who pose a major threat to the jail system. He has previously stated his desire to remain in this unit until he dies. Justice Anthony Derrick noted in 2023 that Gorham has repeatedly asserted his intent to commit serious violent sexual offences against juveniles or adult males immediately upon release, and if possible, to kill his victims.
Community Protection
The court's decision to continue the detention order underscores the clear need to protect the public. Justice Gething concluded that Gorham would inevitably commit another serious offence if released, highlighting the ongoing danger he represents to society.
