Third attempt to keep SA paedophile behind bars after latest breach of release conditions

The South Australian Attorney-General will make a third application to the Supreme Court to keep a serial paedophile locked up indefinitely after he again breached the conditions of his release.

Gary John Tipping, 35, was released last year after the court rejected the Attorney-General’s second bid to have him detained indefinitely.

He was released last year before being rearrested.

The nature of the new breach was not aired in court.

Supreme Court Justice Sophie David today ordered Tipping remain in custody on an interim detention order until at least March 3.

In 2019, the court was told that Tipping was unable to control his sexual urges and would be at significant risk of reoffending if released.

He had been convicted of sexual offences against boys aged between eight and 15.

The court heard, at the time, that some of the offending happened shortly after he was released on a court bond and later on parole.

Forensic psychiatrists had told the court they believed Tipping remained at high risk of reoffending, had poor insight into his crimes and had not engaged well in treatment.

Legislation aimed at blocking the release of paedophiles who are unwilling or unable to control their sexual instincts passed South Australia’s Parliament in 2018.

SA Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said she supported the Parole Board’s decision to keep Tipping in custody.

“I have previously applied for Mr Tipping’s indefinite detention, but the application was rejected by the Supreme Court,” Ms Chapman said.

“I later applied for the continued detention of Mr Tipping, following a previous breach of his Extended Supervision Order, but it too was rejected.

“I therefore support the Parole Board’s application for a continued detention order.

“No further comment will be made at this stage.”