Justin Paul Schulze pleaded guilty to having unlawful sex with child in state care

A court has heard at least eight “vile predators” groomed or abused two sisters in state care, with the state government promising to get tougher on child sex crimes.

Two sisters in state care were groomed or abused by at least eight men after running away from their care home, a court has heard.

Justin Paul Schulze, 44, is just one of the “vile predators” going through court after the state government promised this week to get tougher on child sex crimes.

During sentencing submissions, the District Court heard Schulze picked up the 15-year-old victim in October last year before filming himself sexually abusing her.

The court heard Schulze researched the victim after the abuse and came across a police entry on the internet that she was a missing person with her name and age.

Police then attended a Woodville address in relation to the missing victim the day after the abuse and observed Mr Schulze driving off.

Justin Schulze is one of several men who abused the child in state care. Photo: Instagram

Justin Schulz pleaded guilty to child sex offences. Photo: Instagram

Police reviewed his phone and found a video of the victim on his phone.

Schulze, of Adelaide, pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse and possessing and producing child exploitation material.

Gerard Bowen, for Schulze, told the court his client believed the victim was 17.

A prosecutor told the court they didn’t accept Schulze reasonably believed the victim was the age of consent and even if he did he returned the following day.

“By then … he is fully aware that she is a child, that she is a missing person and yet he seeks her out and there’s clearly an intention to meet up with her,” the prosecutor said.

“His only one purpose for which he returns is for a further sexual liaison.”

The court heard there were at least eight other files before the court alleging abuse or grooming of the victim or her younger sister, who was also under the care of the Minister.

“It usually involves the child complainant running away from her care home and police locating her and usually there are one or more males in the area,” the prosecutor said.

“And when police have questioned these men and seized their phones they’ve found communications between these males and the child complainant of a sexual nature.”

The prosecutor said in some cases there was additional evidence to suggest the men would meet up with the victim for sexual activity in exchange for drugs and alcohol.

Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said she was disgusted by vile predators who sexually abuse or exploit vulnerable children. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said she was disgusted by vile predators who sexually abuse or exploit vulnerable children.

“They need to face consequences for their abhorrent actions,” she said.

Ms Hildyard said through a review and drafting of new legislation they were considering how to toughen penalties for those who target children and young people in care.

“Since being elected, the Malinauskas Government has significantly increased criminal penalties for child sex offenders amongst other deterrent efforts,” she said.

Ms Hildyard said the Power to Kids program employed by the Department aims to improve children and young people’s awareness of respectful relationships, grooming, sexual development and sexual health.

DCP chief executive Jackie Bray said caseworkers and staff work in partnership with SA police to safeguard children and young people who are targeted by predatory adults.

“Protocols are in place with police to ensure young people are located and returned to care as quickly and safely as possible when they are reported missing from their placement,” she said.

“Children and young people who have experienced significant trauma can be especially vulnerable to exploitation by adults.

“The department continuously looks to how we can prevent such events occurring.”

Ms Bray said the department was working to prevent sexual exploitation through initiatives like the Mackillop Institute’s Power to Kids Program which raises awareness of respectful relationships, grooming, sexual development and sexual health.

Schulze will face further sentencing submissions next month.