Notorious paedophile and former magistrate Peter Liddy has been released from prison after serving a 25-year jail term for sexually abusing four children. The 82-year-old was released onto a strict home-detention supervision order on Wednesday.
Liddy was jailed in 2001 for sexual offending against four children between 1983 and 1986 while volunteering at the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club. He left the Adelaide Remand Centre without comment, only saying 'excuse me' to media.
The South Australian government is pursuing applications to have him indefinitely detained or placed on an extended supervision order. The interim order includes conditions such as restricted internet access, a ban on contact with children, and a prohibition on going within 50 metres of any school, kindergarten, or public playground.
Advocate for abuse survivors, lawyer Andrew Carpenter, said victims were shocked and disheartened by the release. 'They were shocked, they never thought that he would ever be the kind of person that would be released,' he said. 'That monster they've been avoiding all these years is now back on the loose.'
Former Commissioner for Victims' Rights Michael O'Connell said the release could re-traumatise victims. 'For some of these people, they would have most probably had some sense that justice was being done on the day that Liddy was sentenced, but suddenly having to confront his release can cause a great deal of turmoil,' he said.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher said there was 'a special corner of hell reserved for people who have committed these sorts of crimes, especially when you consider the position [Liddy] held — a serving magistrate'. The government continues to pursue indefinite detention or an extended supervision order with strict conditions.
