Melbourne rugby player’s meth habit ‘no excuse’ for attempts to rape child
Michael Quinn’s ice addiction was no excuse for his decision to try to rape a young boy at a US sex party organised by pedophiles, prosecutors claim.
The Melbourne rugby player, 33, was arrested in an undercover sting in May while on a trip to the US.
He is due to be sentenced in Los Angeles on October 31.
The prosecution have recommended Quinn be sentenced to 12 years jail and a lifetime supervision when released.
“Despite the friendly, congenial mask defendant showed to the world, defendant lived a secret life online,” assistant US lawyer Joey Blanch wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed this week.
“He used the anonymity of the internet to share his secret sexual interest in children, searching out like-minded people and ultimately arranging to purchase a six-year-old boy he intended to sodomise.”
The document has exposed Quinn’s methamphetamine addiction and the extent of his sexual desire for children.
It referred to a blog he wrote about sexually abusing children and plans he was making to meet “like-minded pervs”.
The IVF geneticist had travelled overseas to play with the Melbourne Chargers rugby union team in Nashville’s Bingham Cup.
He had been staying at a Hollywood Hills home with teammates for the first part of his trip.
Quinn left LA without his teammates knowing and was arrested when he gave $US260 ($340) to an undercover agent who was posing as a pimp.
US police posing as pedophiles started communication with Quinn in May after he posted a comment to a social network which read: “Aussie perv, heading to US late May/June interested to meet others while I’m there. LA, Nashville, NYC.”
Police allege they found child pornography on his phone and also seized a meth pipe.
Quinn has pleaded guilty to a charge of travelling to the US with intent to engage in criminal activity.
The US probation office has recommended a 10-year sentence.
News break – October 20
