Paedophile magistrate's release prompts vigilante warning in South Australia

South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed awareness of a flyer circulating in the state's regional areas warning of the impending release of convicted child sex offender Peter Liddy. Liddy, a former magistrate, is scheduled for release on Thursday, June 4, after serving part of his sentence for sexual offenses against four children committed between 1983 and 1986.

Despite an ongoing application by South Australia's Attorney-General Kyam Maher to keep Liddy behind bars, the Supreme Court ruled he should be released on strict home detention conditions. These conditions include electronic monitoring, restricted internet access, and a prohibition on contact with children. He is also banned from approaching within 50 meters of schools, kindergartens, or public playgrounds.

The court is awaiting medical and psychiatric reports to assess Liddy's potential to control his sexual instincts before making a final determination on the Attorney-General's application. Commissioner Stevens stated that while the Department for Correctional Services holds primary responsibility for Liddy's supervision, the SA Police will maintain a broader public safety role.

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If there are any concerns about the safety of other people in the community based on his conduct then we'll be taking action. Equally, he has a lawful right under the circumstances to be within the community, so if there's any threats or harm to him we'll be obligated to take action in that regard.

Stevens cautioned the public against vigilantism, acknowledging the community's concerns. "If there are any concerns about the safety of other people in the community based on his conduct then we'll be taking action," he told 891 ABC Adelaide. "Equally, he has a lawful right under the circumstances to be within the community, so if there's any threats or harm to him we'll be obligated to take action in that regard."

Regarding the flyers, Stevens indicated that while their circulation might not constitute an offense, he warned individuals against inadvertently becoming subjects of a police investigation by releasing information they are not entitled to. The flyer reportedly mentions Liddy by name and states its purpose is to serve as a reminder for vigilance and child safety awareness, not to cause harm or identify locations.

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I don't think that any offense has been committed in the circulars or the flyers that I have seen. But I would just caution people not to inadvertently find themselves the subject of a police investigation because they've released information they're not entitled to.