DOUGLAS Shire Mayor Julia Leu has backed calls for a review of the Queensland parole system after revelations the man accused of a shocking rape in Mossman was released from prison just two days before the attack.

It’s believed the 21-year-old man was released from the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, 85km south west of Cairns, on Friday after serving a four-year sentence for sex offences. Less than 48 hours after being granted parole he’s allegedly broke into a Mossman woman’s home and repeatedly raped her.

The Douglas Shire community remains distraught by the incident and Leu threw her support behind Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk recent call for an urgent examination into the state’s parole system.

“We are all shocked, outraged and saddened at the alleged rape last week,” Leu said.

“This should not happen anywhere, let alone Mossman. The community deserves to have confidence in the parole system, and I certainly support the Premier’s recent announcement...to review the current system.”

Palaszczuk appointed former solicitor-general Walter Sofronoff QC to conduct the probe following the murder of an elderly woman in Townsville last month. The killer of 81-year-old Elizabeth Kippin, who was found stabbed to death in her home, had been released on parole just seven hours prior to the attack.

Mossman residents are still coming to grips with the sexual assault, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning. Newsport readers took to social media to voice their anger and express their concern for the victim.

Investigations into the incident involved sex crime units from Brisbane, specialist officers from Cairns along with uniformed and plain clothed police from Mossman.

“The local community can take assurance from the fact that the alleged offender in this instance acted alone, and was taken into custody and charged only hours after the alleged offences,” said Senior Constable Russell Parker from Far North District Crime Prevention in Cairns.

“Offences of this nature are invariably traumatic for the victims and police are providing support to the victim in this case."

Police were unable to give more information regarding the condition of the Mossman victim due to confidentiality requirements. 

However, James Ednie from the Cairns Sexual Assault Service said crimes of this nature could have profound impacts on both a community and individuals.

“From what has been reported this alleged sexual assault is a particularly bad one given it was a home invasion and deprivation of liberty,” Ednie said.

“Generally speaking, acute trauma like that can bring with it a different range of impacts depending on the individual and circumstances. It can effect a person’s work and social interactions and many will develop various levels of Post Traumatic Stress, so it can certainly be life changing.”

The accused appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday and was charged with six counts of rape, one count each of attempted rape and deprivation of liberty and two counts of enter premises with intent. His name can’t be released for legal reasons.

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