- Best-selling author Craig Silvey charged with child exploitation
- He allegedly used username ‘Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy’ on adult site
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The messages allegedly sent by award-winning author Craig Silvey on a ‘paedophile website’ have been revealed, as his best-selling books are pulled from shelves following child exploitation charges.
The 43-year-old author of hits Jasper Jones and Runt was allegedly found ‘actively engaging with other child exploitation offenders online’ when police raided his home in Fremantle, which he shares with his partner Clare Testoni and daughters just 22km south of the CBD, on Monday.
The father-of-three allegedly used the alias ‘Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy’ to chat with other paedophiles on adult sites, court documents said.
‘Fremantle guy here,’ Silvey allegedly wrote.
‘You sound absolutely amazing.
‘Looking gorg too. Very similar interests.’
Silvey was arrested and charged with one count of distribution of child exploitation material and one count of possession of child exploitation material.
Prosecutors have alleged some of the illegal material was taken inside Silvey’s home office, 7News reports.
The alleged messages sent by best-selling Jasper Jones author Craig Silvey (pictured) that sparked multiple child exploitation charges have been revealed.
The father-of-three allegedly used the alias ‘Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy’ to chat with other paedophiles on adult sites (pictured, a mock-up of the alleged text messages)
Silvey appeared in Fremantle Court on Tuesday but wasn’t required to enter a plea.
It comes as WA’s education department looks to distance itself from the author by pulling his books from the state curriculum.
Two of Silvey’s best known novels, Jasper Jones and Rhubarb, are on the WA school curriculum as suggested texts that could be studied by Year 11 and 12 students.
Education Minister Sabine Winter confirmed Silvey’s best-selling titles – which include Runt, Jasper Jones and Honeybee – would be removed.
‘The nature of these allegations is deeply concerning,’ the minister said in a statement soon after the author faced court.
‘I have asked the Department of Education to ensure that schools cease using texts by Craig Silvey for the 2026 school year while the allegations are under investigation.’
Magistrate Thomas Hall granted Silvey bail with both a $100,000 surety and a $100,000 personal undertaking, noting ‘imprisonment is a likely outcome’ of his case.
Silvey cannot leave WA or engage in any work involving children, per his bail conditions.
His internet access has also been restricted to legal advice, banking and medical purposes.
Silvey’s lawyer argued it would be difficult for the author not to use the internet as he is self-employed.
Silvey’s wife Clare Testoni (pictured right) is a writer, playwright and puppeteer. Her performances involve ‘shadows, the gothic, and the digital’ an online bio states
Craig Silvey is due to publish another instalment of the Runt series (pictured) in November
However, the magistrate addressed Silvey directly, saying: ‘I’m sure you appreciate these are serious charges.’
Silvey is expected to face court again on February 10.
Daily Mail has contacted Silvey’s publisher for comment.
He is due to publish another instalment of the Runt series in November 2026.
