WARNING: This article deals with sexual violence and may be distressing for some readers.

The infamous ‘South Auckland rapist’, Joseph Thompson, who violated dozens of women and girls over a 12-year span, will remain in jail for at least another two years.

Thompson was sentenced to preventive detention in 1995 for his reign of terror but has not yet done any sex offender treatment programmes in prison.

He told the Parole Board two years ago he was anxious that other prisoners might talk about his contributions to the group treatment sessions.

In a decision released today, the board said that “really there had been no progress” towards Thompson’s rehabilitation since 2021.

It said he was highly motivated to undertake the programmes, but has now been wait-listed for knee surgery and was reluctant to start treatment until that was done.

“We will see him again in two years’ time to keep an eye on progress,” Parole Board chairman Sir Ron Young said.

“We doubt whether he will be in a position to seek a release until that time.”

In the meantime, he remained an “undue risk”.

Thompson, who is now 64, was sentenced to preventive detention on 129 charges involving the rape and sexual violation of 47 women and girls between 1983 and 1994.

The true number of his victims is believed to be closer to 70.

His attacks were carefully planned and the physical violence used was sometimes extreme.

One of his victims was only 10 years old. Twenty-seven were aged between 13 and 16 years.

DNA technology led to his arrest.

Before being convicted of the sex crimes in 1995, Thompson had five pages of violence, property and drug offending.

During his reign of terror, South Auckland residents lived in fear - parents wouldn’t let their children walk to school.

Some added extra locks to doors and windows, or took to keeping baseball bats. Vigilante groups were formed.

- Ric Stevens, Open Justice

SEXUAL HARM

Where to get help:
If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:
• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email [email protected]
• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz
Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.