Serial child abuser Dennis McKenna freed within weeks of High Risk ruling
The WA Supreme Court declared McKenna a High Risk Serious Offender. But the law stops indefinite detention.
Serial paedophile Dennis McKenna will walk free in weeks. The WA Supreme Court declared him a High Risk Serious Offender today.
Justice Marcus Solomon ruled that courts can consider risk when setting conditions. Courts cannot keep him locked up forever just to prevent victim harm.
McKenna will face 41 strict conditions. These ban contact with his 29 victims and children.
He cannot visit parks with playgrounds. He must stay out of Katanning.
McKenna abused boys in the 1970s and 80s. He ran a school boarding hostel there.
Two victims died by suicide. One victim's family said the justice system did not see how serious his offending was.
- 29 victims identified
- Victim count
- Serving 15-and-a-half year term since 2011
- Current sentence
Why it mattersThe ruling exposes a gap in criminal law. Even high-risk offenders cannot be held just to prevent emotional harm. It raises questions about how courts balance victim protection with legal limits on detention.
