Author Craig Silvey spotted in Fremantle for first time since being charged with child exploitation offences

Renowned West Australian writer Craig Silvey has been spotted in Fremantle for the first time since he was charged with child exploitation offences. The award-winning author behind beloved books Runt and Jasper Jones appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court earlier this month, where police alleged the 43-year-old had possessed and distributed child exploitation material and communicated online with paedophiles. It is alleged Mr Silvey had spoken to at least one other user about their “similar interests” on an adult website designed for users to upload and exchange pornographic material. The father-of-three — photographed wearing sunglasses and a black t-shirt — is on bail and was seen attending a local police station where he must report three times a week. He has not entered a plea and will face court again next month. Schools and book sellers have pulled Mr Silvey’s works off their shelves since the charges came to light. WA Education Minister Sabine Winton directed schools to stop using his books — which were recommended for Year 11 and 12 English — while the allegations were being investigated. Mr Silvey’s publishers have also paused promotions of his titles. Allen & Unwin said in a statement the nature of the allegations was “deeply distressing”. “We acknowledge this is an active police matter, and that Mr Silvey is entitled to procedural fairness and a presumption of innocence until the matter is dealt with by a court,” it said. “Given the gravity of the charges, Allen & Unwin will pause promotional activity of Mr Silvey’s work while the legal process takes its course.” Mr Silvey — whose long list of accolades includes a prestigious Australian Book Industry Award — is best known for the books Runt and Jasper Jones, both of which were turned into acclaimed feature films.