Francis Carter, a 71-year-old man described as "the most dangerous man in Australia" for his past crimes, will not be deported back to Australia following a recent conviction for a violent assault in the UK. Australian authorities have indicated they will not accept him back, leaving Carter to serve his sentence in the United Kingdom.
Carter, who moved to Australia from Britain in 1973, has a history of severe violence. He was jailed in 1989 for beating a man to death with a baseball bat and then slitting his throat. While incarcerated, he escaped and, after being recaptured, murdered an inmate he suspected of reporting his escape attempt. He spent 25 years in Australian prisons for these offenses before being released in 2015 and sent back to the UK.
In January of this year, Carter brutally attacked his former partner at his home in Sussex, England. The assault left the victim with extensive bruising and bleeding throughout the house. Witnesses described her injuries as severe, and the prosecutor stated her face was covered in bruises and blood. Carter admitted to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
During sentencing, the judge noted that Carter, a powerfully built man, still posed a risk of "explosive violence" and serious injury to others, a factor that would likely remain despite any reduction in his offending behavior. The court heard that the victim experienced significant terror and distress due to Carter's history.
Despite the judge's assessment of ongoing risk, Australian authorities confirmed they did not wish for Carter to return. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with at least 40% to be served before release, taking into account time already served. He will also be subject to a restraining order for seven years.
Detective Inspector Sarah Masters commended the victim for reporting the incident and the neighbors who assisted her. She emphasized that tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Sussex Police and encouraged all victims of domestic abuse to come forward. Carter is now serving his custodial sentence and is subject to an order preventing future contact with the victim.