Call for character reference crackdown after ‘appalling’ use in Joffa case

There are calls for more thorough checks on character references after a charity boss was appalled to find his reference was used to stand up for child abuser Jeffrey “Joffa” Corfe.

Collingwood superfan Corfe received a 12-month suspended sentence for sexually abusing 14-year-old Alex Case in 2005, with his “good character” noted by the judge as a key factor in the sentencing.

Former fundraising general manager for the Epilepsy Foundation, Jeremy Maxwell, says an old reference was used without his knowledge.

Mr Maxwell has told the Herald Sun the reference was written years ago and its use is an “appalling” betrayal.

Accredited criminal law specialist Melinda Walker says there’s “an obligation to check” character references used in court.

“Ordinarily character references would be given at the point of sentence and also they refer to the reasons as to why they’re writing the reference, notwithstanding what they know about the person now, that they still hold them in high esteem.”

Press PLAY below to hear about how character references are supposed to be used

Victim’s ‘biggest fear’ after Jeffrey ‘Joffa’ Corfe is spared jail for historical sex abuse

Image: Nine