Paedophile Peter Liddy to be released on strict home detention

Former magistrate Peter Liddy was jailed for the sexual abuse of four children between 1983 and 1986.

The 83-year-old notorious child abuser's prison term is due to expire in June, but the SA government has sought to have him indefinitely detained.

What's next?

The Supreme Court has decided to release Liddy from jail — at least temporarily — while those proceedings continue.

Paedophile and former magistrate Peter Liddy will be released from jail when his sentence expires next month, despite an ongoing application to have him indefinitely detained.

The 83-year-old notorious child abuser was jailed in 2001 for the sexual abuse of four children between 1983 and 1986.

He has remained in custody, with his prison term due to expire on June 4.

South Australian Attorney-General Kyam Maher lodged an application for his indefinite detention earlier this year, which Liddy's defence counsel Jeff Powell SC last week asked the court to stay permanently.

He had argued the application to keep Liddy behind bars was "an abuse of process" and that it would be "unjust to subject him to an inquiry" given a 2019 report by a forensic psychiatrist had already found Liddy was capable of controlling his sexual instincts.

In response Alison Doecke KC, counsel for the attorney-general, argued the report was almost seven years old and did not include a current risk assessment of Liddy's ability to control his sexual instincts.

Today Supreme Court Justice Rachael Gray refused Liddy's bid to permanently shelve the proceedings.

She instead ruled that while awaiting medical and psychiatric reports Liddy should be released on strict home detention conditions — at least temporarily — while the proceedings continue.

"I think it's appropriate for the protection and safety of the community to impose a regime for six months,"

Justice Gray said.

She imposed conditions including electronic monitoring, restricted internet access and a ban on going within 50 metres of any school, kindergarten or public playground.

Liddy also must provide police with access to any electronic equipment at any time.

Justice Gray also banned Liddy from possessing firearms, alcohol and drugs — unless medication is prescribed — and he cannot go to any pubs, clubs or licensed venues.

He will be under the supervision of a corrections officer and cannot leave his home, unless for an emergency, without permission.

At last week's hearing Liddy's lawyer said the 2019 report had suggested that any risk Liddy may pose if released into the community "could be adequately managed with appropriate supervision".

But Ms Doecke said Liddy continued to deny to guilt, meaning a prison treatment program had been unable to assess his potential risk.

"Liddy has committed horrendous sexual offending, which has been denied," she said.