Childcare rapist step closer to interstate transfer

One of Australia’s worst paedophiles is a step closer to facing charges interstate but a magistrate has refused to fast-track the process.

Ashley Paul Griffith, 48, was jailed for life in November 2024 after he pleaded guilty to 307 child sexual offences.

The offences related to 65 victims aged between one and nine, including 28 rapes of preschool-aged girls in Queensland childcare centres.

Former childcare worker Ashley Paul Griffith is serving a life sentence.

The Queensland Attorney-General has sought court permission to transfer Griffith to NSW to answer charges there.

He has been charged in NSW with 180 child sexual offences allegedly committed against 23 girls at a childcare centre in Sydney between 2014 and 2017.

Brisbane Magistrate Belinda Merrin was told alleged victims and their families would be participating in a lengthy court process.

Queensland sought a hearing on transferring Griffith immediately, rather than waiting until October 13.

“The attorney-general’s position is that the sooner we get the ball rolling, to speak, the better,” barrister Carolyn McKeon said.

NSW did not stand in the way of the fast-tracking but the state’s barrister noted a new legal team would have to be briefed if the hearing was brought forward.

The jailed man did not oppose being taken to NSW but was against the October hearing date being brought on immediately, she said

“It’s difficult to understand why a minimal delay would make a difference.”

Griffith’s barrister would not be available before October 13, she said.

The pathway to move Griffith to NSW was cleared in June after his appeal against the severity of his sentence was dismissed.