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Renowned author Craig Silvey faces a new set of allegations concerning child exploitation offenses.
The 43-year-old had initially been charged in early January with both the possession and distribution of child exploitation material.
In recent developments, Silvey is now accused of creating such material between January and June 2022, along with an additional charge for possession.
The conditions of his bail remain stringent, though the requirement for a surety has been removed.
Silvey, known for his nominations for prestigious awards like the Miles Franklin Literary Award and the International Dublin Literary Award, was reportedly discovered engaging with individuals involved in child exploitation during a police operation at his Fremantle residence prior to his January arrest.
Silvey is best known for his 2009 coming-of-age novel Jasper Jones, which is considered a modern Australian classic and was aimed at adults and young readers.
The global hit won the Australian Book Industry’s Book of the Year Award and has been adapted for film and various stage productions.
His most recent novel, Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping, was published by Allen & Unwin in September.
Another of his books is Honeybee, which won the Australian Indie Book Award in 2021.
Most of his works were purged from reading lists across the nation after he was charged.
Allen & Unwin and Fremantle Press, which published Rhubarb, have stopped promoting his books.
Police investigating Silvey have also charged a 68-year-old woman with two counts of producing child exploitation material and one count of distributing it after analysing the writer’s electronic devices.
She allegedly created and distributed the material with Silvey, police said.
The woman is also charged with three counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations.
She has been remanded in custody to appear before the Joondalup Magistrates Court on April 2.
Support is available by calling 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732, National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged five to 25).
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