WA court considers high-risk order for 81-year-old serial sex offender before release

Dennis John McKenna, aged 81, was convicted of systematically abusing almost 30 boys while working at St Andrew’s Hostel in Katanning from 1957 to 1990, including a stint as warden. He is completing a second prison term that expires on November 17, and the Supreme Court of WA is deliberating whether to label him a High Risk Serious Offender. The victim engagement unit reported that 26 of his 29 victims were consulted about proposed exclusion zones to keep him away from their homes.

Prosecutor Brett Tooker presented psychiatric reports indicating a heightened risk of reoffending, particularly indecent dealing with children aged 13 to 16, and stressed the danger of McKenna seeking volunteer work or church involvement after release. He noted that without a high-risk order, McKenna would not be required to disclose his history, exposing the community to unknown risk. Justice Marcus Solomon is expected to deliver his ruling on November 4.