Case 191: Sheree Beasley

DESCRIPTION
Melbourne psychotherapist Margaret Hobbs was used to dealing with sex offenders. Many of her clients were men who had been referred to her through the court system after committing terrible crimes...
CREDITS
Narration - Anonymous Host
Research & writing - Erin Munro
Creative direction - Milly Raso
Production and music - Mike Migas
Music - Andrew D.B. Joslyn
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[@stormierose4418]

My mum and sherees mum we’re friends. I still remember playing dolls with sheree. R.I.P angel

[@katherine9109]

omg! poor you! your poor mom! poor Sheree's mom! and poor, POOR Sheree..!!! my deepest sympathies to you all... 😔😢

[@icequeen9417]

Flowers , for Sheree and her family. 🩷🌹🌷🌸🌹⚘️🌿🌹

[@justme8837]

I will never understand how financial crimes give offenders more punishment than rape, murder and molestations. These "things" should never see the light of day once they are caught even if they haven't crossed the line of actual rape.

[@Starae336]

Coz money is more important than people

[@katherine9109]

I don't understand what has happened to prison sentences for monstrous acts in general these days... in the entire western world, it seems. I totally agree that these fckrs should never be allowed out again! today, it's common knowledge that 'sex offenders' (such a polite term!) WILL offend again..!!! in the U.S., ppl tell me that it's all about money - because their prisons are businesses. so they need 'turnover'. dunno if this is true. but in Canada! why? Australia! why? the UK! why? and every other '1st world' country you can name! why, why, why..!?!

[@mirandamanga9083]

On the plus side, these offenders get socially helled no matter where they go. Even in prison they are not safe (They need PC).

[@nopamineLevel100]

I'm surprised the psychotherapist would not only throw out that bag with maggots which could hold evidence, but also fail to contact the police immediately. Especially since Lowe kept discussing the murder and Margaret obviously had sound knowledge of the justice system.

[@candyrain09able]

I was thinking that also. There could have been some kind of evidence such as the bike helmet in that bag. I believe he left it purposely.

[@katherine9109]

@@candyrain09able obvious he left it on purpose.

[@katherine9109]

me too!

[@thechloechronicles9688]

I'm glad you noticed because that's what I thought too. That could have been something or a part of the child. She should have turned it into the police

[@mirandamanga9083]

As evidenced throughout the audio recording. She was conflicted between privacy of clients and morality. It may seem clear now but maybe not so at that moment.

[@Happinosis]

In the UK we are obliged to break confidentiality in these circumstances.

[@RadhE-ug6on]

That is my understanding for Australia too. I can’t speak for that time though, in the 90’s

[@Happinosis]

@@RadhE-ug6on good point, didn't think of that...either way I feel desperately sorry for her, what a burden. But I'd be more concerned about Sheree and her family.

[@Frenchblue8]

@@Happinosis I have a hard time wondering why she didn't report him anonymously, the moment she suspected him. He could have killed another child very next day or week and then how could she have lived with that? Also I cannot believe she continued to see him when she broke contact the first time, why she let him back. She could not possibly be the only social worker doing court mandated counseling in Melbourne for goodness sake. And then after that incident with the maggots??? And he left them there in her office and ran?!?! I'm sorry, I don't get it, that's an assault. And it would have been an assault in the '90s also, make no mistake.

[@RadhE-ug6on]

@@Happinosis me too. I wonder also if the privacy issue is different within the judicial system rather than mental health or counselling.

[@Happinosis]

@@Frenchblue8 that's the main point, she suspected so she should have just reported him. End of. I don't see any ethical dilemma, just a danger to life.

[@joshhannan4]

This one was exceptionally difficult and heartbreaking to listen too.

[@lunagoodhart5489]

There's a book written about this case. It's horrific. I will never understand why Margaret didn't call the police in the early stages of Sheree's disappearance if what she says is true. I just feel like there's so much more she could & should have done both before and after Sheree's murder that would have changed things. She has also profited unfairly from Sheree's death & her connection with Robert Lowe.

[@AnthonyKiyola]

@@lunagoodhart5489 She died before the book was finished.

[@ManicWolf]

Sheree went missing on the day after my own 7th birthday. So very chilling and sad. I can't believe that Lowe constantly got away with his increasingly serious crimes with only fines. A real failure on the justice system there. Sheree could have still be alive today if the courts had just seen the warning signs that Lowe was practically shouting out to them.

[@danrobinson572]

Yeah I agree with you on that

[@katherine9109]

you can't imprison someone for what they might do in the future. even if you know with every fibre of your being..!!! unfortunately, there has to be proof. which means a crime has to be commited. sad but true.

[@mirandamanga9083]

@@katherine9109 They should have sent him to some psych ward or something. That could have possibly prevented this. Some fines won't deter people like him because money is not their concern it seems.

[@TerritorialFlame]

This is the first of your podcasts that I have physically shed a tear to. That poor wee soul, that fear she must have felt and her parents/family going through absolute hell. Doesn’t bear thinking about 💔

[@thelifeofpewpew3290]

I like lessening to this podcast but...this episode effected me more than I thought it would...actually made me cry a fair bit to be honest...,what a nightmare, should have added torture with life in prison and no parole..but even then...the poor child won't have her life and innocence back....such evil.....how can someone even think of doing stuff like this....not even human... Also I would like to add that whoever complained that she broke confidentiality should have a really hard look at themself...what's wrong with people!!!

[@emagreene9775]

She wasn't a licensed psychotherapist. Therefore, she wasn't ablidged to follow a moral code. That's probably what saved other children from this predator.

[@maneckineckbeard1749]

In the USA, at least, therapists are legally permitted to break confidentiality in situations where people might be in danger. I saw a therapist years ago, and they very seriously told me at the start of our session that she was legally compelled to report any behavior that seemed homicidal, suicidal or abusive. Maybe it's different in AU?

[@Starae336]

@@maneckineckbeard1749 no it’s not different in Australia

[@maneckineckbeard1749]

@@Starae336 Thank you!

[@katherine9109]

Margaret Hobbs was NOT A DOCTOR. just a therapist.(you don't even need a license to call yourself a therapist.) and there's no such thing as "patient/therapist confidentiality" in the eyes of the law. just as there's no such thing as "priest/penitent confidentiality". therefore - doctor/patient confidentiality does NOT apply..!!!

[@c.w.8200]

I don't understand how someone accosting and exposing himself to girls can just get away with a fine until he goes further and further, the impact on the children isn't so minor, I've experienced this myself as a young girl and why are children not worth protecting from such men? No, they get off with a fine again and again...

[@Aryasvitkona]

Part of the problem can be noted in the early appointments with Margaret. He was well spoken, impeccably dressed, both of these things convince judges and juries that he couldn't have done those things. This is expanded when he is able to be so specifically manipulative in his lies. He wasn't your normal sex pest. He was incredibly delicate in his lies, as you can tell from how he says he doesn't have a blue car, he drives a blue car. He's an incredible pedant, but he looks incredibly innocent to most people. And he's able to convince them he is. The reason Margaret saw through him is because she had seen so many sex offenders. She could see through the lies enough. But that's from 20 years of experience. Normal people couldn't.

[@This_RuthIsOnFire]

I went to school in Rosebud when Sheree was abducted. I remember the choppers everywhere, when I was at school they were overhead. Neighbourhood Watch became a huge thing. I was about 5 or 6 when she went missing. Must have been frightening for my parents, and other parents in the area.

[@evdaribarovski5698]

My deepest sympathy to the parents of little Sheree. God bless and I know how hard it has been losing your precious little girl. Wonderful to know you have another little daughter god bless her and keep her safe.

[@joannelee4875]

God bless you mama❤️

[@GoldenXBoots]

Im very sorry for your loss 🌹 sending love your way ♥️

[@vicksterinig9169]

I have to be in the right frame of my mind to listen to this particular episode. Just reading her name made me cry. Rip sweet little girl.

[@donnablack6280]

Wait, what the heck was in the bag of maggots that his therapist quickly threw out (without looking at!)?

[@lisanoonan2947]

I thought the same thing

[@lunagoodhart5489]

Yep that 'therapist' has alot to answer for in my opinion. She was the major catalyst in what happened to Sheree. She's a true narcissist.

[@anneloving8405]

Yeah she should have investigated that

[@quickchris10]

looking for this question

[@Bopomama]

This therapist is incompetent. She should have gone to the police with her suspicions in the first instance.

[@valerieschreijer6490]

I’m am a huge fan of casefile. I’ve listened to every one, but “this one” made my blood run cold. I don’t know if he was a complete psychopath or a narcissist. Maybe both!!! He had no compassion in his soul at all.

[@jellyropes]

100 percent. It even made me physically ill. I stopped it several times. Took over a week to finish.

[@jerrymarshall2095]

You know you live in a sick, degenerated society when stories like this are about as common as jaywalking,.Compassion and tolerance for these evil ,sickening lizards is more important than the little humans being sacrificed.

[@jamesparsons9068]

Superb work as usual, incisive and distinct analysis.

[@jenniferbailey5914]

I am not a advocate for the death penalty except when it comes to children. If that was my child I would gladly pull the leaver. Children are completely innocent and easy prey for someone like Lowe. I remember this case. It was horrific! RIP little one.

[@Starae336]

So you are an advocate for the death penalty!

[@allysonlewis1576]

That poor poor family having to hear what this creature did to their beautiful little girl. It would be enough to send someone completely insane. What that poor little girl went through must have been absolutely gruesome. Bless her heart. My thoughts go out to sheree and her family.

[@user-mt4ku7jw1y]

Poor little innocent sweet Sheree, doesnt bear thinking about, heartbreaking, what a monster. Rip little angel 😇

[@just_1_pepsi]

WOW. What a case. Amazing podcast - as always!

[@justme8837]

Margaret should have said something to the police.

[@smokeydapot]

She did. I don't know if you made it through the whole video before you commented, but she left a tip once she had enough evidence in her mind that Lowe was the one who did it.

[@Beanzie-ry8mz]

11 minutes in and I’ve had two KZbin ad breaks already, and I still have to listen to the ad copy on the episode itself. Mind blowing

[@JohnChalmers617]

Big deal . It's free. Man some people !

[@maneckineckbeard1749]

Amazing how even a cop-killer was so utterly horrified and disgusted by this monster's actions that he was willing to go straight to the cops in order to report on Lowe!

[@loritracy1385]

Does the video date mean your release date, or that you're making new ones? Either way, thank you. Maybe I'm just justifying watching these. But I believe that if these people had to go through it, the least I can do is to hear their stories. It makes them real people. And that by collectively listening, we all keep them alive & the memories make them live on...or at least acknowledges that they were once here.

[@joannelee4875]

You do you mate❤️

[@Starae336]

Justifying

[@jaccusefashion]

when you sign up for therapy, you agree tht everything you say is confidential unless the therapist believes that you or someone else including a child is in danger. God Bless Margaret and God bless her husband and Reid for testifying....R.I.P Sheree Beasley .

[@sarahsarah3945]

I love the Casefile podcast. New episode = happy me :)

[@t33ny76]

This therapist has some serious boundary issues 🤬

[@KrystalLioness]

true, but it must be really tough working with that population

[@jean-jn3nq]

I agree and as a psychologist and therapist myself I have serious concerns about the lack of ethics and general common sense this woman displayed. Later I see that she wrote a book about this murderer. Of course she did. So gross.

[@jerrymarbury9365]

All this tolerance and compassion give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

[@KRitzmanCounselor]

I'm new recently to this channel and I love it! Thank you to the creator for telling stories in the way you do, keeping them interesting, facttual.and helping us make sense of thwm.

[@mscilla16]

I'll never understand the mind of a pedophiles or murderers 😔 Just evil 😔 R.I.P sweet little girl 🌹

[@Frenchblue8]

No, me neither. There is no understanding it those of us who's only instinct is to protect and defend children, to shelter and care for them will never understand these monsters

[@dopeboy4evr]

Coffee an washing pots time, Thanks casefiles😁

[@barbarajohnson3876]

Why not put all the ads in the beginning, breaks the mood and train of thought

[@danrobinson572]

R.I.P. Sheree!!

[@KRitzmanCounselor]

Depending on her license, she most assuredly has a mandatory reporting responsibilities and a dirt to warn of imminent danger. My license requires I report suspected child abuse (so his past or present confessions would be re!event there), if I feel a client is a danger to self or others (he was a high risk to re-offend). Another aspect is that if I report and I'm acting in good faith, I am protected against legal consequences. There is more to this but I see Margaret did what was ethical.and legal, according to the facts as I know them. I understand how different it must've been for her to.o that because it goes against our practice with other clients in which we work in their best interest. I admire her and am looking forward to reading her book.

[@penguinvic9892]

I think Margaret was treated most unfairly by the media. She had a tough job, regardless of qualifications. Someone had to write up the mitigation defence reports on various offenders and alleged offenders. She also had a conscience. There could be no excusing a lowlife character aptly named Lowe. She did the right thing and was a key player in getting him jailed permanently. By the way, the book she wrote, that was edited and co-written with the help of a notable crime reporter, is quite an interesting read if at times deeply disturbing. She was no soft touch but what I found interesting was her dry droll humour that would go over the head of her most famous and notorious client !!

[@Missajoshash]

Casefile U have made my Saturday night once again ....never fails

[@zero_bs_tolerance8646]

Very difficult to listen to. Must've been hell to research, write and narrate. RIP little Sheree. Thank you.

[@texastea5686]

RIP Sheree, Margaret.... many hugs to their families. I wonder how Shane is doing now?

[@psweeneyville]

I can’t believe the mother who saw Sheree crying & imploring in the car didn’t call the police …

[@smokeydapot]

To be fair, for all she knows, the girl was throwing a fit after being told she can't have a lolli. Only in hindsight does it look as bad as it was.

[@debbiemohekey1509]

@@smokeydapot There was a similar case in New Zealand where a man grabbed his ex girlfriends little daughter after school one day who was crying and trying to get out of his car at a gas station and although people were alarmed they immediately started rationalizing as to how it could be something innocent, later they realized too late to save the childs life it was every bit as bad as they could have imagined. These days we know better and have cell phones for help and evidence.Teach your kids the tik tok help hand signal and if you don't know it try google. It has already saved lives.

[@leedevitt4528]

I always make a point of checking things like this out. I once followed a screaming child in her father's arms for 20 mins before I was satisfied it was legit. Does not hurt to be cautious. If only just ONE of the many who witnessed James Bulgers abduction had "interfered".

[@leedevitt4528]

I absolutely agree. Yeah sure, kids cry etc but observing and checking does no harm. If we don't look out for each other, who will?

[@skeptical_sorcerer]

UPDATE: Lowe died in prison in November 2021aged 84

[@leedevitt4528]

Wow...he lived well into old age. I hope his days were long, slow and miserable.

[@CorinaGoea]

The number of adverts is disgusting:about 35 of them in one hour and a half.

[@jaynegalloway6232]

The weekend begins!

[@barbaraellison1095]

Margaret’s actions are inexcusable.

[@katherine9109]

what do you mean? would you mind expanding on your comments?

[@jstra]

"Quote: FOR SEX" is definitely one of the darker things I've laughed at.

[@mirandamanga9083]

I think sometimes its important to see into the mind of a serial killer and see what they see. It's like they don't even see people as people, but objects for their own selfish goals. Only concerned with themselves and not seeing how they effect others. Not all serial killers are like this, but it seems the vast majority are.

[@0The_Farlander0]

Margaret did nothing wrong, in my opinion. As a mentally ill person who speaks in confidence to my therapist at length, there is a wide gulf between impulse and action, and an equally wide gulf between actions that result from my mental illness and harm only myself, and those that harm others. Thankfully in my case nothing so egregious as this particular scumbag's actions, but I can't blame her or fault her for doing the right thing. It's a difficult place to be in and I hope her conscience is clear.

[@katied2579]

Ill?

[@katherine9109]

how did Lowe know who the son-in-law of Margaret Hobbs was, and that he was a lawyer? what professional therapist would disclose personal details..!?!

[@mirandamanga9083]

I like how there is no Wikipedia page on this guy and only on Sheree because he doesn't deserve a damn thing.

[@carolball5764]

Why isn’t there one , as opposed to other such heinous killers ?

[@user-mt4ku7jw1y]

Electric chair for Lowe, disgusting

[@wendesmith6240]

Distressed as she might be I am astounded that she threw away the maggoty bag. Although unlikely there was the chance that evidence was in it.

[@allysonlewis1576]

Lowe. A slippery slimey scumbag. Margaret had him pegged and told him to take a hike. Unbelievable he got fines for such serious offences. He should have been locked up. Monsters walk amongst us they look like normal human beings that’s how they get away with such disgusting crimes.

[@littleredsubmarine]

To be honest, I always have to skip the episodes with crimes against children. Since having babies of my own, I can’t listen to it. Love the show, but it’s too much.

[@princess101uk101]

Same here

[@DEATH-THE-GOAT]

Next case, do something on "mutual combatans" in Chicago. _Just to bring light on the lawlessness_

[@89RealThe]

?

[@mirandamanga9083]

I know its definitely warranted in this case, but am I the only one uncomfortable with the amount of ways police can listen in on others?

[@shirleythompson2068]

🥺💜💛💜💛💜🕊

[@smokeydapot]

I know this is a serious video, but the fact that the guy's name is Robert Lowe makes me keep picturing the American actor of the same name.

[@penguinvic9892]

That unfortunate American actor, having the same name as the despicable offender. This is a good reason for having an unusual given name like “Telescope Smith” or “Penguin Vic” … oh, wait …

[@mollylittlewolf9192]

Coffee. Doob. Yes.

[@Missajoshash]

Oh yes stoke the bong and listen to casefile ....Luv ya girl

[@mscilla16]

Same!! 🤙🏻

[@melmazing3993]

🙋

[@marktrezise7312]

Just because she is a kid but it is heartbreaking tho.

[@Cheka__]

This case belongs in a file.

[@marktrezise7312]

Just 6 years old what a waste.

[@benjaminjones1139]

I like ads broken up by a narrative.

[@angelcharlie2012]

I cannot imagine what he put that baby through and what her mother has gone through. Britain needs to bring back the death penalty for cases like this.

[@susiefoxy8130]

This happened in Australia. Its also illegal in the UK to send children to the shops to buy cigarettes, especially a 6 year old!

[@michelehicks3873]

@@susiefoxy8130 Yes and the milk bar was not around the corner. It was a long way for a little girl to ride her bike alone. For her mums smokes. Poor Sheree was neglected imho. This was covered over due to the circumstances. I travelled to Rosebud weekly for work and I know how far little Sheree had to ride her bike. No fkn way would I have allowed this when my daughter was this age. RIP little angel Sheree.

[@susiefoxy8130]

@@michelehicks3873 shocking, even more so that it was covered up. So 😔

[@carolball5764]

@@susiefoxy8130Ad a child of the 60’s and teen of the 70’s , this was quite common going to get cigs for my dad.. Being flashed at , and passing parked cars with men doing stuff to themselves was a common occurrence . Because from the age of 9 I was being abused by my own dad , it wasn’t a shock to me . There’s no way I could have confided in my mum as she was ignorant to everything .

[@leedevitt4528]

This was in Australia, not Brittain. Death penalty carries with it the possibility of putting an innocent person to death. Life locked in a cage will do me. Life should mean life though.

[@CatnapperNaruto]

Man this hurts, we even share the same last name. 😢

[@brendajstevens3719]

👏👏👏

[@jane12phillips]

Too many adverts very annoying 😒

[@bkvance3170]

Too distracting to watch with commercials every 4-5 minutes.

[@constancearchimedies1990]

The amount of views these guys get week after week it appears no one cares that much about the ads. I just fast forward through them myself…

[@fortefiles6168]

No…you’re excited for new casefile…

[@psweeneyville]

I thought when the bag was found with maggots that she was going to find body parts… but she never looked & just threw it away..??

[@andreag3532]

Long ass commercials

[@wyldflwr]

No volume?

[@sarahsarah3945]

It might be your device sorry, I can hear it perfectly

[@wyldflwr]

@@sarahsarah3945 It's working perfectly fine now. Thanks for replying. I'm not sure what my phone's issue was lol. I just didn't want to miss a wonderful episode!

[@JO-lx9bx]

trying to milk the ads more and more every episode

[@heatherpike5230]

So would most people who do all this research and provide a high quality recoding for free.

[@neuterspadeyourpets.6201]

Spoiled much ?

[@tektako]

Is there seriously a hair ad in a true crime podcast?? Ffs

[@lindakleypas1714]

I would recommend you check out fast hair growth fortified shampoo to double hair growth.

[@jjj4875]

The slowest monotone reader on KZbin.

[@carolball5764]

Better than those fast rollercoaster type ones though eh?

[@johnny196775]

Wow, violating doctor-patient confidentiality. Closing a case that way is so loathsome, it makes me believe the 'good guys' are no better than him at all.... Totally appalling. The police who did that deserve more punishment than the law is allowed to enforce. I was so sickened by the police's behavior that I couldn't finish watching the video. This was truly disturbing.

[@neuterspadeyourpets.6201]

Wrong. Doctor - Patient privileges STOP when a Doctor feels citizens are in danger. Look it up. Anyway you forget this doctor talks with MANY other ex prisoners and didn’t talk about their cases. I’ll take that Doctors side 100% .

[@johnny196775]

@@neuterspadeyourpets.6201 First, it doesn't end when a doctor 'feels citizens are in danger.' Look it up; there must be a specific threat involving a means and target. This situation never came close to that. But I would argue that that is a bad exception even so... either you have confidence or you have not. If you want people to get better, then they need to feel free to talk to a therapist. The only thing a person can take away from this story is if they might possibly be dangerous to themselves or others, then they had better not ever seek help from a therapist, and if they do, then they had better not speak freely. I don't think that is a good outcome, but it is the only course a person is likely to take, if they know they can't speak in confidence. I am not impressed by your intellectual acumen, so you are now muted... go ahead an reply, I will never see it.

[@MoonChild145]

Yes, as sickening as abducting, assaulting and killing a six year old girl. This man had a long record of indecent behaviour and law enforcement had a choice between waiting for him to attempt more offenses against other minors and be held responsible for their inaction or make sure that there wouldn't be another victim. Therapy works differently for everyone and those sessions, plain as day, were used to get off recounting his deviant crimes to someone who he thought was powerless to stop them. Save the tears for those who deserve it most- the families, friends, court jury, judge and witnesses who were present through the details of this case knowing that a member of their community was capable of, to reiterate- willfully harming a child in the manner that he did. He can receive all of the therapy sessions he needs, in prison.

[@johnny196775]

@@MoonChild145 Wow, you really don't understand what I am saying at all... I won't even bother explaining this to you, because I am convinced you are so stupid, you simply won't understand no matter how clearly I explain this too you... so, good luck, and I am muting you so you won't waste any more of my time.

[@gullwingstorm857]

What's disturbing is you.

[@jom9494]

What the f#ck is wrong with the legal system for giving a child predator or someone with propensity for interfering with children a fine. For the love of God. He should have been ankle monitored...but then again Australia is a penal colony.

[@user-mt4ku7jw1y]

It's beyond belief isn't it, you don't know where to start with that, sickening to the core