Convicted child sex offender launches name and shame page to ‘keep Mandurah safe’

Paul John Willis set up the Crime Watch Mandurah page in late 2016, not long after he was released from prison where he served time for deliberately lighting fires in Collie in 2014.

In 2011, Mr Willis was convicted of two counts of indecently dealing with a 13-year-old.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment when he was found guilty after trial in the District Court.

Now the 39-year-old Coodanup man wants to turn over a new leaf.

“The past is the past,” Mr Willis said.

“I just want to get my life back on track and keep Mandurah safe.”

When asked about his criminal history, Mr Willis initially denied having been convicted of child sex offences.

It wasn’t until he was confronted with transcripts obtained by the Perth District Court he admitted to having been imprisoned on the charges.

A registered sex offender, Mr Willis still has to report regularly, and is not allowed to linger in public areas where children congregate, including schools and playgrounds.

He sees no problem engaging in a large public group on Facebook, however.

Of the 400-plus members on his page, he said if he discovered any users were underage he would “boot them” off.

Nor does he feel his criminal history is of relevance to those who follow and contribute to his “name and shame” site.

He said his convictions were from “years ago”. He served his time, and it’s in the past. “Simple,” he said.

“I just want to give back to the community.”

“The reason why I made that page is because I want to help Mandurah.

“Name and shame. Why not?

“It’s time Mandurah people see who’s doing what, when, how and why.”

Mr Willis said he knew he had done wrong in his life, but “tomorrow’s a new day”.

He said the past should stay in the past and the people of Mandurah had no reason to fear him.

“I’m at low risk,” he said.

“There’s no way in the world I’m going to offend again.”