Friday, October 19, 2007

Pedophile working for Hanson

By Steven Wardill

October 19, 2007 01:00am

 

SENATE-hopeful Pauline Hanson's latest tilt at federal politics has been dealt a savage blow with revelations she has knowingly allowed a convicted pedophile to work on her campaign.

Ms Hanson yesterday confirmed she was receiving volunteer help from Bob Dutton, who pleaded guilty in 2003 of sexually molesting two children about 30 years ago.

Concerned parents aware of Mr Dutton's criminal history told how the pair spent last weekend at a festival in Wynnum-Manly.

Ms Hanson campaigned at the festival under her latest political party banner - Pauline's United Australia Party.

But an unrepentant Ms Hanson said she was aware of "allegations" surrounding Mr Dutton but said she believed he may be innocent.

"I am totally against pedophiles, I have no time for them," she said.

"If I thought Bob was guilty of that I wouldn't have him around me."

She compared Mr Dutton's case to her own wrongful imprisonment, saying not all people found guilty actually committed the crime.

Mr Dutton, a former journalist with the now defunct Daily Sun, was sentenced to 3½ years' jail which was wholly suspended.

But he maintained his innocence and remained a member of the group known as Citizens Against False Sexual Allegations.

Mr Dutton, who admitted he would remain on the national child offender register until 2018, said he had committed no offence at the festival.

"I am not like that and I would never do anything like that," he said.

Mr Dutton said there was nothing wrong with him working for Pauline Hanson.

"I am a proper person to be helping anyone out to get into public office."

Child protection campaigner Hetty Johnston branded Ms Hanson naive for believing Mr Dutton.

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