An anonymous flyer distributed in a South Australian suburb has sparked widespread fear ahead of the release of notorious paedophile and former magistrate Peter Michael Liddy. The 83-year-old is scheduled to be freed on Thursday, June 4, after completing a 25-year prison sentence for sexually abusing four boys between 1982 and 1986.
Background of the Case
Liddy, a former magistrate, was convicted in 2001 for abusing boys while working as a coach at Brighton Surf Life Saving in Adelaide. He became eligible for parole in 2019 but was repeatedly denied due to his lack of remorse and continued denial of the crimes.
According to the Adelaide Advertiser, residents in Wallaroo Mines, a suburb of Kadina on the Yorke Peninsula, received a disturbing flyer in their mailboxes this week. The flyer, titled 'Community Awareness - Child Safety and Community Wellbeing', read: 'You may be aware of public reporting regarding the release of convicted child sex offender and former magistrate Peter Liddy … under strict supervision and monitoring conditions.' It added: 'This notice is not intended to cause alarm or identify any location … it is simply a reminder for all residents to remain vigilant and to continue practising general child safety awareness.'
Release Conditions and Location Unknown
The court has ruled that Liddy will be released into home detention from Thursday and will remain under monitoring for six months. However, his exact residence has not been disclosed. Previous court documents indicate Liddy owns properties in Moonta, neighbouring Kadina, and nearby Wallaroo. It remains unclear who distributed the flyer.
The flyer stated: 'Authorities including SA Police and the Department for Correctional Services are responsible for monitoring offenders in the community and managing any legal restrictions placed upon them. Please keep discussions respectful, factual and focused on protecting children and supporting a safe community for everyone.'
Victim's Response
Byron Mills, one of Liddy's victims, along with his family, has been vocal in demanding Liddy remain behind bars since his first parole hearing in 2019. Recently, Mills stated that Liddy's release 'cannot reasonably be considered justice'.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Correctional Services declined to comment on Liddy's case or the flyers but confirmed that offenders released into the community are subject to 'strict supervision conditions'.
Liddy's Prison History
At the time of his imprisonment, Liddy was South Australia's longest-serving magistrate, having served for 25 years before retiring in 1999. During his incarceration, he spent periods in solitary confinement to protect him from aggression from inmates he had previously sentenced. Liddy received the longest sentence for his offences in South Australian history at that time.
