Andrew Cole, a serial rapist and high-risk offender with a chilling history of violent sexual crimes, has been released from jail despite his extensive record and the potential diagnosis of “sexual sadism.” Known for his infamous 2006 “crash diet escape” from Sydney’s Long Bay Jail, Cole, now 54, has managed to evade long-term reform and remains a significant threat to the community.

A criminal history riddled with violence

Cole’s first recorded sexual offense occurred in 1988 when he assaulted a woman at knifepoint. He escalated to repeated rape and armed robberies, marking the start of a criminal career that has seen him cycle in and out of incarceration.

His most audacious act came in January 2006, when he shed 14 kilograms to slip through the bars of his Long Bay Jail cell. His daring escape involved removing a window pane, chipping through brickwork, and navigating razor wire atop a seven-meter wall. He was apprehended just three days later at Bondi Junction but not before drawing national attention.

A chilling act of sexual violence

After a temporary release in 2008, Cole committed one of his most horrifying crimes. Breaking into a woman’s home at 2:30 a.m., he tied her up, blindfolded her, and assaulted her while threatening harm to her young children. This act of cruelty resulted in a maximum sentence of 14 years.

A controversial release

Cole’s release has sparked widespread concern. Psychiatrists have flagged his high psychopathy level and substance misuse as central to his violent tendencies. One expert described him as deceitful, impulsive, and unmanageable without rigorous supervision. Despite this, he has been allowed back into the community under a strict supervision order with multiple conditions.

The family connection to fame

Cole’s sister, actress Denise Roberts, is known for her role in Packed to the Rafters and for creating the TV series Corelli, inspired by Cole’s prison romance with a psychologist. The show, starring Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness, became the setting for the actors’ real-life romance and eventual marriage.

Roberts has continued to support her brother over the years, even visiting him in prison. The siblings share a complex past, having grown up in Papua New Guinea with an abusive, alcoholic father.

Community safety at risk

As Cole reintegrates into society under strict parole conditions, concerns loom about his ability to comply with the law. His past behavior suggests an alarming pattern of reoffending, leaving many questioning the decision to release such a dangerous individual.

Authorities insist on vigilance, but Cole’s history serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in managing high-risk offenders and ensuring the safety of the community.


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