Soapbox

Ferguson's beachside photo, kids included

Oct 28 07:51am

Was it wrong to take this photo and send it to a newspaper?

The Sydney Morning Herald was provided this photograph by Brett Collins, friend of convicted pedophile Dennis Ferguson.

The photo shows the pair enjoying a day at Coogee Beach with children and their parents nearby.

Mr Collins told Mel Doyle on Sunrise that the plan to disseminate the photo was meant to humanise Mr Ferguson and show that he is a normal man who can enjoy a day out without being a threat to anyone.

"The crime he committed was 22 years ago," said Mr Collins. "He has paid his price."

Mr Collins, who said he would not leave his children alone with Mr Ferguson any more than he would another person he did not know well, called on Australians to forgive Mr Ferguson.

Was it wrong to take this photo and send it to a newspaper?

From Deb on twitter: Just look in the background - everyone is clothed, it's obviously cold. Why did they need to strip down - very antagonistic!

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67 Comments Report Abuse

1. pogopen - Oct 28 07:56am

Just seeing this story sent chills through me as it was several years ago that my family, from country NSW spend a day at Coogee Beach. We had a great day until we all went into the toilet/shower blocks to shower and change. It was there that my 13 year old brother was sexually assaulted in his...

2. pogopen - Oct 28 08:00am

toilet cubicle. We had no idea it happened until we travelled home and his story eventually came out. Our family was devastated as we were all right there and heard or saw nothing. Not that Mr F had anything to do with it but seeing his pic- a nasty reminder. Parents, be careful no matter where u r.

3. chasattack11 - Oct 28 08:00am

What a shame a human in a position of such influence and power as Mel is so shallow and callas. Has she not learnt the meaning of 'to judge others'.

4. piffleaplenty - Oct 28 08:09am

The photographer here was a prick. If he was also professional, he should be sacked & imprisoned. I mean let the guy have the chance to prove he is redeemed and live a peaceful, child-free life.
No one their would have known he was there, nor would have cared until the photo came out.

5. bellasnana404 - Oct 28 08:09am

Ferguson photo sent yes but you didnt have to act on it so yes the media are the ones that will not leave it...

6. rhiannonau2002 - Oct 28 08:21am

once a pedophile always a pedophile. the people who says to leave him alone must not have kids. he knows what he is doing. he is playing the media because he know they will bite to things like this as well as the public. he should not be aloud back in society. for the protection for our kids.

7. glencubit - Oct 28 08:22am

Looks harmless but scary for a Mum of a 13yr old boy who would use the same toilet/change facilities as Mr F. Always my concern once he was too old to stay with me and use the ladies, when Dad not around. Jenny ( Bundanoon )

8. damiandavies@y7mail.com - Oct 28 08:23am

Looks like Mr Brett Collins is missing the limelight or he is chasing after a quick buck. Otherwise he wouldn't be stirring up the hornet's nest again. If Collins really was a 'friend' and wanted people to leave Ferguson alone, he wouldn't be 'advertising' his presence.

9. katiemcgill@rocketmail.com - Oct 28 08:24am

Call it what you will but he should NEVER be allowed near children. He may have gone to jail but he will always be that person - still chooses to live near schools, sell children's toys & sit half naked on a beach watching children & this is unacceptable for someone who took advantage of children.

10. christineann1 - Oct 28 08:24am

I think it was wrong for the paper to run the picture, he has been out of the news and spotlight for a while now, the only reason that picture was taken was to stick it to the public that he is out there and can walk and live out the with us and no one sees him. Just don't fuel his cause.......

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