20 years jail for child sex offender: MP

A MACLEAN man convicted of having sex with a child should spend at least 20 years in jail says Clarence MP Steve Cansdell.

Mr Cansdell was yesterday scathing of a sentence imposed by the District Court last month that allowed the sex offender to be released back into the community.

Ronald Dean King spent 14 months in custody while awaiting sentence on a charge of sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 10.

The 24-year-old admitted entering a house in South Grafton while intoxicated and sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl.

The Daily Examiner revealed on Saturday that King received a two year suspended jail sentence, meaning he will only go to prison if he commits further offences in the next two years.

Mr Cansdell said he was shocked at the leniency of the sentence, yesterday contacting NSW shadow Attorney General Greg Smith for a crisis meeting.

He said Mr Smith agreed the opposition would pressure the Department of Public Prosecutions to appeal the sentence.

“The courts have once again proved they are completely out of touch with the community,” Mr Cansdell said.

“Crimes against children, particularly those of a sexual nature, deserve the harshest possible punishment.

“This monster should be locked up in jail and get the punishment he deserves and what the community expects.”

Mr Cansdell said the case showed the need for lengthy mandatory minimum sentences for child sex offenders.