An ESO is used to monitor and manage the long-term risk posed by a high-risk sex offender or a very high-risk violent offender who is back in the community. At the High Court hearing in October last year, the court heard Douglas-Finch was using anti-libido medication and unwilling to engage with professionals when in a heightened emotional state. A health assessor told the court Douglas-Finch had enduring sex drive and urges that had been present for a long time. He had essentially been institutionalised for most of his life and would continue to require external assistance to regulate his emotions and manage his stresses and his sexual risk. “In my view, an ESO is inadequate to mitigate the risk Mr Douglas-Finch poses to the community.”

Source: Otago Daily Times March 05, 2026 21:26 UTC