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‘I am deeply sorry’: Craig Silvey pens 9,000-word apology for child exploitation material offences
Australian author Craig Silvey has published a 9,000-word apology after being sentenced to seven months in prison for child exploitation material offences. He admitted distributing and possessing the material, which he acknowledged causes further trauma to victims and perpetuates harm.
Silvey said he had experienced trauma, shame and anxiety and described a mental health crisis before offending. Police found sexually explicit images and videos on his devices, and messages showed him discussing sexual interest in children. The 44-year-old, best known for *Jasper Jones*, has been widely recognised for his novels, including *Honeybee* and *Runt*.
In short
- Craig Silvey was sentenced to seven months in prison.
- He pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing child exploitation material.
- His 9,000-word apology describes remorse and a history of trauma.
Explained simply
Craig Silvey is an Australian novelist best known for Jasper Jones, with other widely recognised books including Honeybee and Runt. His case concerns offences involving child exploitation material, which he admitted possessing and distributing.
Such material depicts the sexual abuse or exploitation of children, and its circulation can cause further harm to those depicted. The case has drawn attention both to the offences and to Silvey’s public apology; his account of personal distress provides background he gave, but does not change what he admitted.
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