An Adelaide court has heard a paedophile who has pleaded guilty to offences including the sexual abuse of children in Cambodia has consented to having his assets frozen.
Key points:
- Geoffrey William Moyle pleaded guilty to 11 offences
- He has consented to freezing his assets as a judge decides if they can be used to compensate victims
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The judge also ordered a report on his back to assess whether he can attend court in Adelaide
Geoffrey William Moyle, 47, has pleaded guilty to 11 offences including nine counts relating to the sexual abuse of children in Cambodia between 2002 and 2005.
Moyle is awaiting sentencing in the South Australian District Court, which heard that the Cambodian survivors were seeking compensation from their abuser.
Jonathan Wells QC, who is representing one of the survivors, previously told the court that the reason compensation was being sought was because Moyle had assets, including a house in Adelaide.
Judge Paul Cuthbertson is considering whether the court can order Moyle to compensate his abuse survivors in South-East Asia, which he suggested would likely be an Australian first.
Moyle’s lawyer today told the South Australian District Court that he “has no intention of doing anything with his assets”.
Heath Barklay QC told the court he is content with the freezing order.
Judge Cuthbertson today said the court has been in contact with prison authorities in regards to Moyle travelling in a car to Adelaide to attend court, rather than a prison van, due to a sore back.
Moyle is currently at the Mount Gambier Prison.
Judge Cuthbertson today ordered a report on his back from the Prison Health Service, which is responsible for healthcare in the state’s prisons.
“[This] would require him being seen by prison health authorities about his back condition and it will be reported on for the authorities to make a decision about how he will be transported,” Judge Cuthbertson said.
Judge Cuthbertson is still considering making a freezing order on the paedophile’s assets and is yet to make a final ruling.