A 23-year-old convicted sex offender from Cairns, Australia has been released from jail after being locked up for three and a half years, despite concerns from the local police that he is still dangerous.

The young man was arrested after he tried to rape his eight-year-old cousin, by luring the child into a bedroom and locking the door when he had what he called “stupid thoughts” due to being “drunk and horny”.

According to Justice Helen Bowskill, “The child was struggling to break free from his grip and started to scream for help.”

Relatives were able to stop him from harming the child before the rape occurred but the accused admitted to the police that he “would have gone further” if he had not been stopped.

According to the local press, the convict showed “insight” into his behavior and participated in programmes for sexual offenders. He has since been selected to be released from jail.

Despite his release, Justice Bowskill has said that releasing the man from jail without supervision is not advisable since there was an “unacceptable risk” he would commit a serious sexual offence once released. Due to this, the man will be monitored for a period of 10 years and has been slapped with a drug and alcohol ban.

Further, the man has been barred from leaving Queensland without permission and must update Corrective Services with changes to his address, employment and vehicle details within two business days.