Craig Warner sexually abused six boys in Whyalla and Mawson Lakes over a 12-year period

A sick and twisted Whyalla man who sexually abused six boys and robbed them of their childhood was a trusted member of the community who would drive them to school.

A paedophile who sexually abused six boys over a 12-year period grossly betrayed the trust of his victims and their families, a court has been told.

Craig Anthony Warner, 41, robbed many boys of their childhood, to fulfil his own “sick and twisted” needs, the Adelaide District Court heard.

A prosecutor told the court on Monday that there were six victims, who Warner sexually abused between 2006 and 2018, in Whyalla and Mawson Lakes.

“The parents and families of these victims trusted the defendant … however, unbeknown to them, he was betraying their trust in the worst possible way,” the prosecutor said.

The court heard the offending had had a significant impact on victims and their families, as Warner would regularly take the boys to school or help them with their homework.

“Three of the five charges of maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship involve more than one act of fellatio,” the prosecutor said.

The court previously heard multiple victim impact statements, including from one of the victims, who was only nine years old when the abuse started.

“Having to endure his sick, twisted needs, all in an attempt to fulfil his pleasures, is something I would not wish upon my worst enemy,” he said.

“A young, bright boy who had their entire world in front of him was robbed of his childhood and instead was gifted lifelong trauma.

“You never cared for any but yourself – you never wanted to buy me things to make me happy, all you cared about was buying my silence.”

Craig Warner will be sentenced at a later date for sexually abusing six boys. Photo: File

Warner, of Parafield Gardens, had previously pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child and indecent assault.

John Lyons, for Warner, told the court his client now recognised that what he had done to these young boys was “grievous”.

“He was a very lonely man, these boys would attend his house … he enjoyed their company but he abused that trust,” Mr Lyons said.

“He is going to be in prison for a long time, he is aware of that.”

Mr Lyons told the court Warner had been tormented by his sexuality growing up.

“He was brain-wired (sic) to act in a paedophilia type manner, it happened to him,” he said.

Warner read out an apology letter to the court.

“All that I can say is that I’m deeply sorry and I sincerely hope that the harm that I have caused you does not haunt you for the rest of your lives,” he said.

The court heard Warner had been working in computer programming until being charged with the offending.

Judge Tim Heffernan revoked his bail and remanded him in custody, to be sentenced at a later date.