Ex-Cop Convicted of Child Sex Abuse Faces Delayed Release Amid Public Outcry
Plans for Robert Wotton's release are in flux due to fears of vigilantism after his address was leaked, while victims' families express deep betrayal.
Authorities are reportedly delaying the release of Robert Wotton, a former New South Wales police officer convicted of child sex offenses, following concerns over potential vigilantism after his intended address was leaked online. The families of his victims have voiced outrage, accusing the parole board of betrayal.
Wotton, 58, was convicted in 2022 for a series of sexual assaults against two girls and a boy, all under the age of 10 at the time of the offenses, which occurred between 2007 and 2017. He was reportedly due for parole on Sunday, serving four years and nine months of his sentence at Kirkconnell Correctional Centre. This was understood to be the earliest date he was eligible for parole.
Plans for Wotton to reside with his wife, Virginia, who supported him during his trial, have become uncertain. Details of his prospective address were disseminated on social media, leading to local concerns and a petition demanding action to block his move. Reports indicate the residence is three streets away from a primary school and playground, intensifying community anxiety.
Victims' families have expressed profound disappointment and a sense of betrayal by the NSW parole board. "We feel totally betrayed. The [parole board] has failed our children," stated the father of one victim to the Daily Mail. He recounted how Wotton assaulted his child on their eighth birthday, presenting himself with a fabricated birthday gift.
Wotton, who served in the NSW Police Force from 1990 to 1998, was also found to have engaged in grooming behaviors with both the children and their parents. He had faced similar charges in the 1990s, but those trials resulted in hung juries. Throughout the legal process, Wotton has maintained his innocence and has shown no remorse.
Footage shared online captured Wotton responding with "Yeah, f*** them!" when asked in 2022 if he had a message for his victims. This footage was reportedly submitted to the NSW State Parole Authority as part of the victims' submission against parole.
Victims' families also expressed distress over Wotton's placement in minimum security for the past 20 months, which they believe allowed him access to the community. The father of one victim described this as "a slap in the face." The parole board's decision was described as "heartbreaking" by the victim's father.
During sentencing, Judge Siobhan Herbert deemed Wotton to require significant treatment and expressed reservations about his rehabilitation prospects. While details of his jail programs are undisclosed, sex offenders typically undergo therapeutic programs or 'Deniers' programs if they maintain their innocence.
Wotton's parole conditions reportedly include restrictions on visiting specific council areas, a prohibition on contacting his victims and their families, and a requirement for an approved adult to be present when with anyone under 16. He is also subject to 24/7 electronic monitoring and mandatory psychological interventions.
The father of one victim urged the parole authority to implement stricter measures for child sex offenders, pleading for victim impact statements to be prioritized over an offender's desire for early release. "He may have won parole, but my battle continues on - as far as we're concerned, our children have been denied justice," he stated.
The NSW State Parole Authority issued a statement asserting that decisions are evidence-based and consider comprehensive reports and post-release plans from specialist staff. They acknowledged the profound impact of sexual offending and stated that registered victim submissions are carefully considered.
The authority confirmed awareness of information circulating regarding Wotton but declined further comment. Wotton's parole order is set to expire on January 25, 2029, unless revoked.