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

Best-selling author Craig Silvey has been charged with more child exploitation material offences.

Police allege Mr Silvey, 43, produced child exploitation material with another Perth woman, 68, following forensic analysis of his electronic devices.

Silvey was 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 they have now identified a 68-year-old woman who allegedly produced and distributed child exploitation material online in connection with the highly acclaimed author.

Mr Silvey is facing 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.

The Marangaroo woman is due to face the Joondalup Magistrates Court on April 2.

A court was previously told 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.

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.