Australian Wine Research Institute scientist Simon Dillon confesses to child exploitation crimes

An Adelaide wine scientist who used the username “Shagpile” to prey on his victims has admitted to child exploitation crimes after being caught in an undercover police sting.

A wine scientist whose online username, prized Persian rug and chats with an undercover cop saw him arrested has pleaded guilty to child exploitation and indecent filming charges.

Simon Dillon, of the Australian Wine Research Institute, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday by video link.

Australian Wine Research Institute scientist Simon Dillon has pleaded guilty to child exploitation and indecent filming charges.

Dillon, 51, of Adelaide, was charged with one count each of disseminating child exploitation material and communicating to make a child amenable to sex.

He was arrested by detectives from the state’s elite Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team at his home, on the southeast edge of the CBD, in November last year.

At the time, prosecutors alleged he used the online name “Shagpile 71” to groom what he believed was the five-year-old daughter of a 51-year-old woman he spoke to online.

That adult was, in reality, an undercover police officer – prosecutors alleged Mr Dillon could be matched to “Shagpile” due to the distinctive Persian rug in his home.

On Thursday, Emma Shaw, for Dillon, said her client would plead guilty to some of the charges following negotiations with prosecutors.

Dillon pleaded guilty to having made a written communication, in September last year, that led to the creation of child exploitation material.

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of having possessed child exploitation material in November last year.

Finally, Dillon pleaded guilty to having indecently filmed an adult without their consent in February 2021.

Dillon was remanded in custody to face the District Court in July, when a date for sentencing will be set.