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South Australia’s Attorney-General, Kyam Maher, has sought the intervention of the Supreme Court to determine the future handling of Liddy, either through indefinite detention or by placing him under an extended supervision order.
In response, Liddy’s attorney, Jeff Powell SC, requested a halt on these proceedings. However, Justice Rachael Gray denied this request on Wednesday, allowing the applications to continue moving forward.
Justice Gray instead deemed it necessary “for the protection and safety of the community” to release Liddy under home detention. This decision comes with the condition of adhering to a strict supervision protocol for an initial period of six months.
As part of the supervision measures, Justice Gray has imposed limitations on Liddy’s internet usage and prohibited any contact with children.
Furthermore, Liddy is required to wear an electronic monitoring device, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and is barred from possessing any firearms.
To make a decision on the applications for indefinite detention or extended supervision, the court now requires reports from two medical experts on whether Liddy is unwilling or incapable of controlling his sexual instincts.
At a hearing earlier in May, Powell said that in 2019, the Crown sought a report from their “trusted and hand-picked expert”, forensic psychiatrist Dr Craig Raeside, on whether a similar detention application should be filed.
On Wednesday, Gray said she had noted that both parties considered Raeside to be an appropriate person to conduct an assessment.
“The evidence before this court supports that view,” she said.
The matter will return to court on November 18 for further argument on the applications.
A spokesperson for Maher said the government’s priority was the safety and protection of the community “and we’ve taken every step available to us”.
“We welcome the court’s decision to dismiss Liddy’s application to permanently stay proceedings,” the spokesperson said.
“The court has ordered expert medical reports to address whether Liddy is willing and able to control his sexual instincts.
“These reports are essential in determining whether he will be detained indefinitely.”
Liddy was jailed in 2001 for a minimum of 18 years for sexually abusing four boys while working as a coach at Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and for offering to bribe one of the victims.
His previous bids to be released on parole have been rejected.
Parole Board chair Frances Nelson has said the board “doesn’t feel comfortable that he’s still not a risk to the community”.
“He victim blames, and has no empathy for his victims,” she said.
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