Failing to report can lead to jail

CHILD protection orders were legislated for a reason and failing to comply with reporting obligations was a serious offence which could bring a jail term, a Toowoomba magistrate has warned.

Acting Magistrate Roger Stark said the purpose of reporting obligations was so reportable offenders could be monitored by the authorities when in the community.

So seriously did the parliament consider the offence that the maximum penalty for failing to comply with reporting obligations was five years in jail, he said.

Alex Michael Woodbridge had been subject to reporting obligations dating back to a 2010 conviction in New South Wales and he had been jailed in the past for breaching the orders, Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard.

However, he had failed to report to police in Toowoomba that he had moved back to Queensland early last year or that he had since been living with his partner at a Harristown address.

The 39-year-old had also failed to meet his quarterly reporting obligations with police some six times since, police prosecutor Senior Constable Catherine Nielsen told the court.

Woodbridge pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations.

His solicitor Joe Millican told the court his client had returned to Toowoomba last year when his mother had taken ill and needed care.

His client was only education to Year 9, was basically illiterate and had difficulty understanding the written orders but he now understood his obligations, he said.

His client’s offending arose from his failing to report and not from any re-offending such as inappropriate contact, Mr Millican submitted.

Mr Stark reminded Woodbridge of the importance of complying with the orders.

“It should be clear to you, you were close to going to jail today,” Mr Stark told Woodbridge.

Mr Stark placed the 39-yearold on 12 months probation.