HomeAUHigh-Profile Author Faces Court Again Amid Child Exploitation Allegations

High-Profile Author Faces Court Again Amid Child Exploitation Allegations

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An award-winning writer accused of child exploitation has had his strict bail conditions relaxed.
Craig Nicolas Silvey, 43, is charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material between January 7 and 9.

Although he has not yet entered pleas regarding the charges against him, he was released on bail under strict conditions after appearing in court last month.

Craig Silvey
Craig Nicolas Silvey, 43, is charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material between January 7 and 9. (Nine)
Silvey, who wrote novels Jasper Jones and Rhubarb, reappeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court today.

The father of three successfully petitioned for a modification to his bail terms.

Silvey, who has been shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award and the International Dublin Literary Award, managed to have conditions around his internet access rolled back so he can disable his social media profiles.

A previously imposed condition that restricted him from possessing electronic devices capable of encrypted communications, such as a mobile phone, was partially relaxed.

Silvey can now access a mobile phone, but not access encrypted communications applications.
He now only needs to report to Fremantle Police Station twice a week instead of three.

Authorities claim they discovered Silvey engaging in online communication with individuals involved in child exploitation when they executed a search warrant at his Fremantle residence prior to his January arrest.

Acclaimed Australian author Craig Silvey faces court on child exploitation offences
Acclaimed Australian author Craig Silvey faces court on child exploitation offences (Instagram)

Silvey is widely recognized for his 2009 novel, Jasper Jones, a coming-of-age story hailed as a modern Australian classic, appealing to both adult and young audiences.

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.

Silvey is scheduled to return to court on March 16.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)

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