Coroner & Legal
DNA to confirm if girl’s baby fathered by pimp
Tasmania police have raised the prospect of further charges being laid against a convicted pimp in a notorious child prostitution case.
They have confirmed DNA tests are being carried out to determine whether the two-month-old baby of a 15-year-old girl was fathered by Gary John Devine.
The teenager is the elder sister of a 12-year-old girl who was pimped to more than 100 men last year by Devine and their mother, who have both been jailed for 10 years.
Detective Inspector David Plumpton says 51-year-old Devine’s relationship with the older girl could result in further charges.
“We’d obviously seek advice from the DPP or other areas before we’d ever pursue a charge without a complainant,” he said.
“The likelihood of a not-guilty plea is increased and in addition to that then having that person give evidence creates difficulties.”
The State Government today released a damning report by the Children’s Commissioner into the case.
“What happened to this little girl is appalling. For the life of me I cannot comprehend how she could have been so sorely betrayed by her mother,” Children’s Minister Lin Thorp said.
The events Ms Thorp described as appalling happened while the child was under state care.
The 12-year-old was still living with her mother and was being monitored by child protection workers.
A report by the Children’s Commissioner revealed a child protection worker recommended the girl’s protection order lapse.
In his report, Commissioner Paul Mason said it was an inconsistent assessment and was made because the worker did not consider the mother’s persistent cannabis use illicit.
The worker also overlooked amphetamine use and threatening external relationships.
At the same time, police were also aware the girl was being exposed to Devine, who they knew had a history of association with teenage girls.
Ms Thorp says the agencies failed to protect the girl.
“This is systemic failure; police, education and child protection were all aware that there were issues around this child and failed to act appropriately,” she said.
But she says the community had a responsibility to the girl as well.
“I think what it says to all of us as a community is we must be vigilant. We must make sure as neighbours, as friends and as relatives that if we see something that gives us concern when it comes to the welfare of a child, please report it,” she said.
Resignation call
However, Opposition Leader Will Hodgman says the community cannot be blamed for the Government’s failures …