Stewart Iain Berry and husband Mathew Campbell face SA court accused of involvement in Jadd Brooker’s online pedophile ring

They smiled as they wed, but this couple now wants nothing to do with one another as they defend allegations of involvement in a sinister online pedophile ring.

In April 2018, Mathew Campbell vowed to love his new husband, Stewart Iain Berry, in sickness and in health, and stay by his side in good times and bad.

On Tuesday, the estranged couple shared the dock of the Adelaide Magistrates Court, jointly accused of involvement in a child-abuse syndicate run by Australia’s worst pedophile.

While Mr Berry’s lawyer flagged a potential plea bargain, counsel for Mr Campbell asked the court to immediately dismiss all charges, saying there was “simply no evidence”.

They said footage of Mr Campbell setting up, moving and operating a covert camera in the couple’s bathroom – used to film children undressing and bathing – did not prove guilt.

Correctional services officer Stewart Iain Berry, left, and his husband Mathew Campbell, right, on their wedding day. Picture: Supplied.

They argued text messages in which the couple argued over to whom one boy “belonged” and with whom Mr Campbell had “an obsession I can’t control”, did not suggest sexual interest.

Their submissions failed to sway Magistrate Karim Soetratma.

“There is a case to answer on each of the charges faced by Mr Campbell and, accordingly, I will proceed to arraign him – unless you want an adjournment,” he said.

Mr Berry, 37, of Salisbury Park, is a senior officer with the Department for Correctional Services.

He and Mr Campbell, 38, of Salisbury Park, has yet to plead to seven counts of producing child exploitation material.

Mr Berry outside court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe.

Mr Campbell outside court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe.

Their arrests arose from investigations into the online syndicate led by Australia’s worst-ever child sex offender, Jadd William Brooker.

Another syndicate member, former ALP adviser Benjamin John Waters, is awaiting sentence for his involvement.

On Tuesday, counsel for Mr Campbell said the videos were allegedly recorded between 2012 and 2018 but the text messages were sent “well after” and so were inadmissable.

They further argued “nothing in” the messages amounted to an expression of sexual interest in children – Mr Soetratma disagreed.

“There’s talk, from your client, about ‘an obsession with (a victim) I can’t control … I’m falling back down that hole’,” he said.

“There’s also a fight between the co-accused about who (that victim) ‘belong to’.”

He remanded both men on continuing bail to face court again in April.