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Craig Silvey jailed for child exploitation offences as apology faces criticism
Craig Silvey, the Australian novelist, has been sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to possessing and distributing child exploitation material. His 9,000-word apology, published on the day of sentencing, drew criticism from child protection advocates who said it focused on his own regret and gave little attention to the children harmed.
About 41 words of the essay addressed the children depicted in the material, which Silvey acknowledged could retraumatise victims and perpetuate harm. Bravehearts chief executive Alison Geale said the apology used euphemisms and failed to name the children as victims. Court documents also described online conversations in which Silvey discussed child abuse and expressed interest in boys as young as five.
In short
- Craig Silvey received a seven-month prison sentence.
- His 9,000-word apology devoted about 41 words to victims.
- A child protection charity criticised its focus on his regret.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Disgraced author Craig Silvey is blasted over his self-indulged 9,000-word apology after child exploitation conviction – as he writes just 41 words on his victims”.