Sex-killer's Viagra-style dose outrages
November 20, 2006

SOUTH Australian Health Minister John Hill says he was "furious" to learn convicted sex killer Bevan Spencer von Einem was prescribed a Viagra-style drug in jail.

Mr Hill yesterday immediately banned such drugs in the state's prisons, News Limited newspapers report.

He also ordered the Crown Solicitor's office to investigate whether any laws or internal regulations were broken by the doctor who prescribed the erectile dysfunction drug Cialis to von Einem.

The doctor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was suspended late yesterday by Health Department chief executive Tony Sherbon while an inquiry was conducted, according to News Limited.

Cialis is identical to Viagra but more potent. A 20mg dose is comparable to a 100mg dose of Viagra.

Mr Hill said the drug was prescribed to von Einem by the prison health service "without the knowledge of prison authorities" for three months in 2003.

"I couldn't believe the appalling judgment of the doctor who made the decision to prescribe convicted murderer and deviant von Einem with a Viagra-type drug three years ago," Mr Hill said.

"I believe it is the biggest lack of judgment possible from a professional in a position of trust in an institution."

The doctor's actions are revealed in a police statement made by a prisoner who alleges von Einem sexually assaulted him over 18 months