Victim’s Outcry as Christchurch Predator Faces New Charges

A sexual predator with a history of violent offenses has been recalled to prison after breaching the conditions of his preventive detention order. Leo Darin Goodwin, 53, was arrested in Christchurch after allegedly attempting to lure schoolgirls into performing inappropriate acts in exchange for money.

Goodwin’s troubling history dates back to 1996 when he brutally attacked Paula Hastings in Te Aroha following a rugby event. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for that crime but was released on parole in 2004. Shortly thereafter, he assaulted a 15-year-old schoolgirl, leading to a sentence of preventive detention. In March 2023, Goodwin was again granted parole.

Recent police investigations uncovered Goodwin’s interactions with teenagers under the age of 16. This prompted authorities to issue warnings to eleven schools in the St Albans and Merivale areas, alerting them to his inappropriate behaviour.

On August 4, police received reports of Goodwin approaching schoolgirls, which led to his arrest on September 12. Court documents reveal that he breached his preventive detention order on July 1. During a recent appearance in the Christchurch District Court, he was remanded in custody, with another court date scheduled for September 17.

Hastings expressed her concerns about Goodwin’s release, stating, “For me, it was just a matter of time before this was going to happen.” She highlighted that this is not the first time Goodwin has been recalled, indicating a pattern of re-offending. Hastings has since advocated for legislative changes through the Sensible Sentencing Trust, emphasizing that preventive detention should serve as a protective measure for the community.

Goodwin’s criminal history includes a 1994 conviction in Australia for threatening a woman with a knife while attempting a sexual assault. After returning to New Zealand, he attacked Hastings, leading to his long-term incarceration. His record further includes charges of kidnapping and threatening to kill the 15-year-old girl he assaulted in 2004. The court deemed him a high risk for serious violent sexual re-offending, resulting in a preventive detention sentence.

According to Chris O’Brien-Smith, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, the agency applied to the Parole Board for Goodwin’s recall due to his breach of conditions. O’Brien-Smith confirmed that public safety is a top priority and that measures are in place to manage offenders on parole.

Hastings remains concerned for the safety of women in the community, stating, “How many victims do we say is enough before we say this person shouldn’t be let out on the streets again?” She fears that Goodwin may have committed further undisclosed offenses, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance regarding offenders who pose a danger to society.

As the New Zealand Parole Board prepares for a hearing regarding Goodwin’s final recall, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes safety and accountability.