Premier apologises for 11-year-old girl's 'unfathomable' suicide after alleged rapist released
Western Australia's premier says the suicide of an 11-year-old girl weeks after her alleged rapist was granted bail is an unfathomable tragedy.
Annaliesse Ugle died in Perth Children's Hospital on Tuesday.
More than a hundred family members and loved ones had gathered at the hospital, some sleeping in their cars, to farewell her.
Annaliesse will be remembered at a candlelight vigil on the steps of Parliament House on Thursday evening.
Her death came just weeks after a man accused of sexually abusing her was arrested and granted police bail, which was later renewed in court.
Annaliesse's family believe she was left traumatised knowing her alleged attacker, aged in his 60s, was roaming free.
"It's very, very sad. An 11-year-old girl taking her own life is beyond description," Premier Mark McGowan said on Thursday.
"I have an 11-year-old daughter - it's beyond understanding.
"Clearly, an error was made. The police have acknowledged that. I am very sorry for everyone involved that this whole set of events has occurred.
"There'll be a full coronial inquiry into these matters and the child abuse squad is obviously continuing to investigate the matters. It is just a human tragedy."
The alleged offender, who is yet to enter a plea, is facing almost a dozen charges including sexual penetration of a child under 13 and indecent dealing.
He will return to court later this year.
‘A mistake was made here’
WA Police Assistant Commissioner Jo McCabe on Wednesday conceded the man should not have been granted bail.
"For someone so young to take their life is unacceptable and tragic and many questions need to be answered," she said.
"An early assessment of this case tells me that police bail should have been opposed and not considered in this instance."
The WA Liberals have promised to change the law if elected next March to prevent accused child sex offenders being granted police bail.
Mr McGowan said the Labor government would continue to review bail laws.
"The most important thing is the Bail Act is enforced and the existing rules are enforced," he said.
"The police do deal with thousands of cases on a yearly basis. Whilst our police do a terrific job, they're not infallible and clearly a mistake was made here."
National Suicide Prevention and Trauma Recovery Project director Megan Krakouer said the Noongar girl and her family had been failed by the system.
"Their lives are ruined and they are forever heartbroken," she told AAP.
Ms Krakouer said the government's plan to deliver culturally tailored suicide prevention strategies in Aboriginal communities wasn't working.
Asked whether Annaliesse and her family should have been better supported, Mr McGowan defended his government's record.
"We put more resources these days into preventing suicide, into child protection than ever before and we'll continue to do so," he said.
"This is just a tragic, sad, unfathomable case."
For support and information about suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
