Queensland’s Attorney-General has intervened in a controversial sentencing decision handed down in the Cairns District Court, calling it “manifestly inadequate” and ordering a formal appeal.
William Evans, a well-known Cairns swim coach, was convicted last month of eight child sex offences, including one committed while he was on bail. Despite the severity of the charges, Evans avoided jail time and no convictions were recorded.
The sentencing sparked widespread community concern and outrage, with Attorney-General Deb Frecklington now directing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to appeal the decision in the Queensland Court of Appeal.
“I consider the sentence handed down to be manifestly inadequate. My thoughts are with the victim and her family during this difficult time,” Ms Frecklington said in a statement.
A Notice of Appeal will be lodged by the ODPP on behalf of the Attorney-General.
