Missing Man Spotted, Community Warned Against Vigilantism
Laurence Golding, also known as Lawerence John Wiggins, effectively disappeared, leaving behind no clear trail of his whereabouts. Police were unable to locate him at his last known address, and he failed to provide the mandatory updates regarding his whereabouts, travel, or personal circumstances that are legally required of him.
Acting Detective Superintendent Stephen Blanchfield from the Crime Command confirmed that officers are now treating his location as unknown. Because of the risk involved, the authorities made the decision to publish his image, name, and year of birth on the Daniel's Law database as of Friday morning.
This information is published to assist members of the community to make informed decisions where there is a legitimate child protection need.
This specific register is named after Daniel Morcombe, the Sunshine Coast schoolboy whose tragic death rocked Australia back in 2003. The database itself is a relatively new tool, having only been officially launched on the final day of 2025. It acts as a digital watchdog, allowing the public to search for offenders who have breached their reporting requirements or to see if someone with a history of child-related offences is living near a chosen location.
Finding someone who has gone off the grid is stressful for any community, but it's crucial to remember that the law strictly forbids vigilante justice. Police have been clear: you are not to approach this man if you happen to spot him. The legal protections surrounding the database mean that anyone attempting to harass, target, or intimidate people listed on the register could end up facing their own criminal charges.
Earlier this year, the state government reported that two other offenders were picked up after community members spotted them and reached out to the authorities. Those reports were part of a wider investigation involving at least nine separate community tips concerning potential access to children. For those keeping an eye out, you can check the registry online for a list of those who have specifically failed to meet their legal reporting duties.
Reporting Sightings and Safety Protocols
If you find yourself in a situation where you believe you have spotted the missing man, the protocol is straightforward and non-negotiable. For any immediate danger or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) straight away. For non-urgent sightings or to provide information that might help the investigation, you should call the Policelink number, which is 131 444.
The Daniel's Law database is a sensitive tool, managed under strict legislative requirements. The government intended for this to be a shield for children, not a tool for mob rule. The focus remains entirely on ensuring that these individuals are kept within the sight of the authorities, as even a small gap in reporting can create a massive security blind spot.
While there's no suggestion from Brisbane Times that Golding has committed any fresh crimes, the urgency in the police statement is palpable. They're not waiting for something to happen; they're acting because he has breached the basic contract he signed upon his release, which demands total transparency about where he lives and who he comes into contact with.