Two psychiatrists assess McKenna as at risk of reoffending in categories including indecent dealing of a child over 13 and under 16, sexual penetration of a child over 13 and under 16, and persistent sexual conduct with a child, with indecent dealing deemed most likely.

The court is slated to decide on the High Risk Serious Offender declaration on November 4, with Justice Marcus Solomon delivering the ruling.

The court heard that 26 of McKenna’s 29 victims were consulted about exclusion zones to keep him away from their homes, underscoring protective measures for the community.

Without such an order, McKenna would not be compelled to disclose past offenses, increasing potential exposure to unaware groups.

The state seeks a High Risk Serious Offender order to enforce strict monitoring and restrict McKenna’s activities upon release to prevent access to children and reduce reoffending risk.

Tooker highlighted social isolation as a risk factor, noting McKenna’s removal from family and lack of a support network that could contribute to reoffending.

Prosecutor Brett Tooker argued McKenna remains high risk due to history, cognitive distortions about consent, ongoing minimisation of violence, and beliefs about mutuality in offending.

Dennis John McKenna, 81, a former WA paedophile described as a severe offender, is due for release from prison on November 17 after serving a second term tied to St Andrew’s Hostel in Katanning.

McKenna reportedly expressed interest in volunteering or joining a church after release, which could bring him into contact with children unless restricted by a High Risk Serious Offender order.

The ongoing legal process and the psychiatrists’ risk assessment are central to the case.