Writer Craig Silvey Goes to Court

May 5, 2026, 05:28
AustraliaSociety

Introduction

Craig Silvey is a famous writer from Western Australia. He said he is guilty of having and sharing bad photos of children.

Main Body

Police searched his home in January. They took his computers. The police say he talked to bad people online. He said he liked children in a sexual way. He admitted to two crimes. Schools and book shops are angry. The Education Minister said schools must not use his books. Other states did the same. Book companies stopped selling his books. He wrote the famous books 'Jasper Jones' and 'Runt'. Silvey is not in prison now, but he has rules. He must pay $100,000. He must talk to the police three times a week. He cannot work with children.

Conclusion

The case is now in the District Court. The judge will decide his punishment on July 3.

Learning

⚡ The 'Must' Rule

In this story, we see how to tell someone they have to do something. We use must for strong rules.

How it works: Person + must + Action

Examples from the text:

  • Schools must not use his books. (Forbidden ❌)
  • He must pay $100,000. (Required ✅)
  • He must talk to the police. (Required ✅)

🛠️ Action Words (Past vs. Now)

Notice how the story changes from things that already happened to things happening now.

Happened (Past):

  • Searched →\rightarrow Took →\rightarrow Talked →\rightarrow Admitted

Happening/Future (Now):

  • Is →\rightarrow Has →\rightarrow Will decide

Tip: If you see -ed at the end of a word, it usually means it is finished!

Vocabulary Learning

school (n.)
A place where children learn and study.
Example:I go to school every day.
book (n.)
A set of written or printed pages bound together.
Example:She read a book about animals.
police (n.)
Law enforcement officers who keep the public safe.
Example:The police investigated the crime.
court (n.)
A place where legal cases are heard and decided.
Example:The case will be heard in court.
judge (n.)
A person who decides cases in a court.
Example:The judge gave a fair decision.
prison (n.)
A place where criminals are kept as punishment.
Example:He was sent to prison for his crime.
crime (n.)
An illegal act that breaks the law.
Example:The crime was committed last night.
child (n.)
A young person who is not yet an adult.
Example:The child played in the park.
children (n.)
Plural of child; more than one young person.
Example:The children laughed together.
bad (adj.)
Not good; harmful or undesirable.
Example:That was a bad decision.
good (adj.)
Positive; desirable or of high quality.
Example:She made a good choice.
home (n.)
A place where a person lives with family.
Example:I returned home after school.
computer (n.)
An electronic device that processes data.
Example:I use a computer for homework.
talk (v.)
To speak or have a conversation.
Example:They will talk about the plans.
online (adv.)
Using the internet to communicate or access information.
Example:She bought books online.
like (v.)
To enjoy or find pleasing.
Example:I like to read stories.
sexual (adj.)
Relating to sex or sexual activity.
Example:The book contains sexual content.
admit (v.)
To confess or acknowledge something.
Example:He admitted he was wrong.
anger (n.)
A strong feeling of displeasure or hostility.
Example:Her anger was obvious.
must (modal)
Indicates a requirement or obligation.
Example:You must finish your homework.
use (v.)
To employ or put into action.
Example:They will use the new software.
sell (v.)
To give something to someone in exchange for money.
Example:The shop sells books.
write (v.)
To produce text or words on a surface.
Example:He likes to write stories.
famous (adj.)
Well known by many people.
Example:She is a famous author.
pay (v.)
To give money in exchange for something.
Example:They will pay the fine.
three (num.)
The number 3.
Example:There are three apples.
week (n.)
A period of seven days.
Example:We will meet next week.
cannot (modal)
Indicates inability to do something.
Example:I cannot go now.
work (v.)
To perform tasks or labor.
Example:He will work in a store.
now (adv.)
At the present moment.
Example:I am busy now.
case (n.)
A particular situation or example.
Example:This is a difficult case.
decide (v.)
To choose or make a decision.
Example:She will decide later.
punishment (n.)
A penalty given for wrongdoing.
Example:The punishment was harsh.
district (n.)
A defined area within a city or region.
Example:The district has many parks.
guilty (adj.)
Responsible for a wrongdoing or crime.
Example:He was found guilty.
share (v.)
To give part of something to others.
Example:She will share the news.
photos (n.)
Images taken with a camera.
Example:He posted photos online.
search (v.)
To look for something carefully.
Example:They searched the house.
took (v.)
Past tense of take; to get or hold.
Example:She took the book.
says (v.)
Past tense of say; to speak.
Example:He says he is tired.
liked (v.)
Past tense of like; enjoyed.
Example:She liked the movie.
admitted (v.)
Past tense of admit; confessed.
Example:He admitted it.
did (v.)
Past tense of do; performed an action.
Example:She did her homework.
stopped (v.)
Past tense of stop; ceased.
Example:The bus stopped.
selling (v.)
Present participle of sell; giving in exchange for money.
Example:They are selling books.