A violent sex offender from Calgary, who was supposed to be monitored under a peace bond to protect the public, was back in court today accused of choking and sexually assaulting a 17-year-old Surrey girl he met online.
Andrew Aurie Jefferson was dubbed the Falconridge rapist after he threatened to kill three women before dragging them off the streets and sexually assaulting them. After serving six years he moved to the lower mainland and local police issued a public warning.
Surrey Mayor Diane Watts says to put the safety of the general public at risk is “simply unacceptable.”
On Thursday Jefferson made a brief appearance in court on two files – the alleged sex assault and a violent carjacking involving a Langley woman that happened two weeks ago. It’s the timing of the charges that is raising concerns in the community.
Timeline of events for Jefferson:
• Dec 9 – alleged sex assault
• Feb 11 – reported to police
• Feb 12 – arrested on breach
• Mar 26 – sex assault charges recommended
• June 8 – carjacking/assault
• June 14 – sex assault charges approved
The alleged sex assault happened December 9 but wasn’t reported until February 11. Police arrested Jefferson February 12 and was charged with a breach of conditions. He pleaded guilty and served less than two months in jail. At the same time police were investigating him for the sexual assault.
Although charges were recommended in march, Jefferson was let out of prison and on June 8 he was charged with carjacking and the assault. Six days later, the sex assault charges were approved.
The question is – why was a repeat sex offender allowed out while under investigation for another sex crime?
Today, the judge decided Jefferson will remain in custody until his next court appearance on July 4.
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