A British man who sexually abused a nine-year-old girl has had his Australian permanent visa reinstated by a tribunal, after it was automatically cancelled following his conviction.
The Administrative Review Tribunal reversed the cancellation due to his “ill health” and “strong ties” to Australia.
Contacted by the ABC, the man said: “Well, I’ve got my visa back, so it’s all good”, as the victim’s family calls for the decision to be overturned.
The man, who has lived in Australia for several decades, had also been charged in relation to the sexual abuse of a young boy, but was acquitted by a jury.
The mother of that boy, Linda*, said she and the young girl’s families were both “horrified” to learn he had avoided deportation.
“[We were] completely let down, completely betrayed,” she told the ABC.
“His needs were put before the victim’s, before the community … why are we giving priority to an abuser over Australian child victims of sexual abuse?”
Linda wrote to Mr Burke on three occasions, pleading he deport the man “in the public interest”.The Department of Home Affairs responded to Linda earlier this year on behalf of the immigration minister, advising that his personal powers were “non-compellable”.”That is, the ministers are not required to exercise their power,” the letter said.
“Further, what is in the public interest is a matter for the ministers to determine.
“I appreciate this is not the response you were hoping for … I can assure you that your correspondence has been noted.”
Source: UK man who sexually abused girl has visa reinstated over ‘strong ties’ to Australia – ABC News
This is heinous… this man is an abuser and ill health is no excuse, he will abuse again, he does not fear punishment..why did a jury acquit him re the little boy and with a second offence with a 9 yr old girl what is going on here…Home away from home for Pedophiles!!!???