Disgraced ex-opera boss Timothy Sexton jailed for 14 years over sex crimes

The fall of ex-opera boss and unrepentant teen-sex criminal Timothy Sexton has reached its crescendo in one of SA’s longest pedophile prison terms.

Fallen arts identity and “astounding narcissist” Timothy Sexton will serve 14 years’ jail for teen sex offending – having narrowly avoided a near-record sentence for pedophile crimes.

The District Court on Friday ruled Sexton’s offending warranted prison terms of 10 years per victim, to be served cumulatively, resulting in a 20-year term.

However, Judge Geraldine Davison reduced that sentence by six years on account of the longstanding legal principle of “totality”, which stops courts imposing “crushing” terms.

With good behaviour, Sexton could be eligible to seek release on parole from January 2029 – but Judge Davison expressed doubt that would happen.

“You do not admit this offending, you do not accept the verdicts of the jury,” she said.

“You are unable to face the reality of what you have done and the harm you have caused to so many people.

“Until there is some recognition and insight in relation to your criminal acts, my prognosis of your rehabilitation is guarded.”

Timothy Sexton during his trial. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes.

Sexton, 60, of Birdwood, was found guilty at trial of having repeatedly abused the girls – now women – when they were his students in the 1980s.

Jurors accepted he had framed his abuse in “romantic” terms, “beguiling” his victims with attention and gifts until they were “infatuated” by, and loyal to, him.

They also accepted he made lewd comments to them, including pointing to his genitalia and saying “I would like you to meet Percy”.

Jurors rejected his denials of wrongdoing, including his claim one of the victims kissed him but he did not admonish her because “everyone gets to make a mistake”.

Sexton – who stepped down from the State Opera after he was charged in 2017 – continues to maintain his innocence and has filed an appeal.

Sexton promoting the State Opera’s production of “Cloudstreet”. Picture: Kelly Barnes.

In statements to the court last month, Sexton’s victims dubbed him “an astounding narcissist”, a “weak human being” and “conceited, self-opinionated, cruel-hearted” predator.

He responded by tendering a copy of his CV and various awards, and asking for mercy due to the “catastrophic” effect of the conviction upon his life and career.

In sentencing on Friday, however, Judge Davison said Sexton had enjoyed such a distinguished career only because his crimes were not discovered earlier.

“You are undoubtedly a very intelligent man who is hardworking and talented,” she said.

“The very reason you were able to commit these offences is the fact you were a talented man who ingratiated himself to all around him.

“You attracted, and took advantage of, young people who were susceptible to your charms.”