Dangerous crim’s bid for freedom

TASMANIA’S longest-serving “dangerous criminal” Jamie Gregory McCrossen’s latest bid for freedom will begin next week and could potentially see him freed after more than 25 years in prison.

McCrossen has been incarcerated his entire adult life after he was jailed for assault and wounding in 1990 at age 18.

McCrossen held up a Hobart antique shop with an antique pistol in 1990 and was detained at the Governor’s pleasure a year later after sending death threats to his victim.

Former chief justice Sir Guy Green declared him a dangerous criminal on January 18, 1991.

The state’s Sentencing Act allows a judge of the Supreme Court to make an order for a prisoner to be held indefinitely for the protection of the public.

While there is no set definition for a dangerous criminal, the Tasmanian legislation is generally reserved for very serious crimes and repeat offenders involved in serious violent crimes.

McCrossen applied to have his declaration reversed last year, but the application was denied by Justice Shan Tennent, who said the inmate’s institutionalised nature and unwillingness to engage in prison programs meant she was not satisfied he would not pose a risk to the community if released.

A new application for discharge has been lodged and will be heard in the Supreme Court in Hobart next week before Justice Helen Wood.

The court heard yesterday there were some concerns about McCrossen’s ability to care for himself.

McCrossen told Justice Wood he understood that it may appear he was deteriorating, but it was because he was “very shy around people.”

Justice Wood said previously she had confidence that, with a support team, McCrossen could learn to function outside of prison.

“If you’re able to show you can ask for help and get support, that’s a matter I can take into account when considering whether or not to discharge the order,” she told McCrossen yesterday.

McCrossen’s three-day hearing will begin on Monday.

If you’re able to show you can ask for help ... that’s a matter I can take into account JUSTICE HELEN WOOD