Every parent’s worst nightmare turned into reality when Sterling Free stalked a little girl in a Kmart toys aisle and lured her away to bushland. He kidnapped her and sexually assaulted the 7 year old. The paedophile has been sentenced to a maximum eight year sentence. However, this child rapist will be eligible for parole in two years. This could mean that in less than two years this monster could be back on the streets, posing a threat to our children, our society.

The child’s mother spoke that “No child should ever have to suffer this type of trauma and no sentence will ever be long enough to make up for the ongoing effects this will have on her.”

Yet, the courts are considering releasing this perpetrator into society. This is yet another example of how our legal system has very little to do with justice for survivors of crime and even less to do with protecting our children from known threats.

Our children’s safety is of paramount importance to us. It’s time that the legal system addresses our concerns not just by labelling them guilty but also ensuring that criminals serve their due time.

As a community, we implore QLD Attorney General Ms D’Ath to hear us and repeal the criminal’s parole. 8 years behind bars cannot bring justice to the little girl who has to live with the memory of the heinous crime for the rest of her life. The least we can do is ensure is that he serves his time. 

Please sign and share this petition to repeal parole for Sterling Free and stand up for justice for survivors.