‘Filthy pig’: Sex predator Stewart Iain Berry confronted in statement by victim known as ‘Damien’

A sex-offending former prison boss has tried to shift the blame for his crimes – but his victim says he’s been exposed as a “filthy pig”.

A sex predator former Correctional Services boss claims he is not attracted to all children, just his underage victim – who has denounced him in court as a “filthy pig”.

In the District Court on Tuesday, counsel for Stewart Iain Berry insisted that, despite his guilty pleas to multiple child abuse and exploitation offences, their client posed a low risk of reoffending.

They said he was primarily interested in “men his own age”, and that his ex-husband was more blameworthy than him, but conceded he “had a sexual interest in and attraction to” his victim, known as “Damien”.

Damien and Celeste, the victim and his mum. Picture Dean Martin.

That submission fell flat with Damien, who gave a second victim impact statement in order to confront Berry.

“Stewart, I bet you feel real big now, sitting there behind that glass wall,” he said as Berry listened from the dock.

“Times have changed – finally, people can see you for the filthy pig that you are, I can be heard and everyone knows the torture you have put me through.

“I can finally say f*** you, Stewart, f*** you from the bottom of my heart... I sincerely wish the worst for you.

“I hope every day you spend behind those bars, you are made to feel as small as I did.”

Berry, 39, pleaded guilty to producing child exploitation material, sexually abusing a child and inciting or procuring a child to commit an indecent act.

He is a member of an online pedophile syndicate, busted by SA’s elite Joint Anti Child Protection Team, led by HIV-positive predator Jadd William Brooker.

Berry’s ex-husband, Matthew Campbell – who was not part of the syndicate – is serving a 17-month minimum term for producing 66 child exploitation videos.

In his victim impact statement, Damien told Berry and Campbell they were “gutless f***ing cowards” who he would hate “until the day I am dead”.

Correctional services officer Stewart Iain Berry, left, and his husband Mathew Campbell, right, on their wedding day. Both are charged with being part of HIV positive pedophile Jadd William Brooker's online child abuse ring. Picture: Supplied.

On Tuesday, Alex Rice, for Berry, said a psychological report backed up his client’s purported sexual preferences and lack of future risk.

He noted Campbell had claimed Berry was the dominant partner in their marriage and the driving force in their offending.

“We maintain Campbell was the dominant member of the relationship,” he said.

Mr Rice said Berry’s time in prison would be more harsh than other inmates, given his former job, but “plans have been put in place” for his care.

Damien hugging his mum Celeste. Picture Dean Martin.

Patrick Mulvihill, prosecuting, said Berry’s purported lack of interest in children ran contrary to his guilty pleas.

The exploitation material, he said, featured not just Damien but four children – and was kept on a USB by Berry’s bed, along with plans for his wedding to Campbell.

“That shows a pronounced, particular interest that sits beyond just an interest in Damien,” he said.

Judge Joanne Deuter will sentence Berry at a later date.