Best-selling author Craig Silvey accused of producing child exploitation material

The identity of a Perth grandma linked to best-selling author Craig Silvey’s child exploitation material offences has been revealed.

Glenda Joy McGregor, 68, from Marangaroo in Perth’s north, was arrested on February 18, following forensic analysis of Mr Silvey’s electronic devices.

Police charged the administration manager with two counts of producing and one count of distributing child exploitation material, along with three counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations.

The woman, who is a member of a Fremantle motorcycle club, is currently behind bars on remand and is due to face Joondalup Magistrates Court on April 2.

It is not known how Mr Silvey and Ms McGregor are known to each other, but the alleged offences came to light when police confirmed Mr Silvey was facing additional charges over child exploitation material offences in connection with a woman.

Mr Silvey was first charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material in January after police raided the author’s Fremantle home where he lived with his wife and children.

A police spokesman said during their investigation they identified a 68-year-old woman who allegedly produced and distributed child exploitation material online in connection with the highly acclaimed author.

Mr Silvey now faces additional charges of producing child exploitation material in 2022 and a second count of possessing child exploitation material.

In court, Mr Silvey’s lawyer asked for an adjournment to negotiate the charges with police.

His bail conditions were extended and the matter was adjourned until May 5. He is yet to enter pleas.

A court was previously told Mr Silvey was communicating online with child exploitation offenders at the time of the search.

Police allege in court documents Silvey had conversations on adult websites using an alias and expressed an interest in children.

Mr Silvey was granted bail with a $100,000 surety and a $100,000 personal undertaking, along with strict conditions that he does not leave Western Australia or work with children.

His internet use was restricted but he was allowed to access his social media accounts to disable them, after unfavourable comments appeared online.

Mr Silvey is an award winning author known for his best selling book Jasper Jones along with other popular titles Runt and Honeybee.

His books Runt and Jasper Jones were adapted into Australian feature films.

Following the charges, Mr Silvey’s books were removed from shelves and school reading lists nationwide and his publishers Allen & Unwin and Fremantle Press have stopped promoting his books.