Retired SA Police officer Robert Charles Warland pleads guilty to child sex grooming charge

This child-grooming retired police officer did all he could to keep his case a secret – now he has confessed to his offending, and run out of places to hide. See the video.

Robert Charles Warland has spent months trying to keep his child grooming charge a secret – but on Tuesday, the retired SA Police officer ran out of places to hide.

Inside the Adelaide Magistrates Court, Warland pleaded guilty to having communicated with a child under 17 to make them amenable to sex.

Outside court, his face covered with sunglasses and a Covid mask, he paced the footpath waiting for a ride – away from the media spotlight – that took too long to arrive.

Robert Charles Warland outside the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

Warland sought suppression orders on his identity, which have been lifted. Picture: Supplied

Warland, 71, was arrested in July last year and charged with communicating with a child with the intention of procuring them to engage in or submit to sexual activity.

He was, at that time, a life member, former president and hall of fame member at the Berri Football Club, as well as its head patron – he was stood down after being charged.

Warland served as a police officer in the Riverland and Murraylands for decades and, upon being charged, sought to have suppression orders imposed upon his identity.

His lawyers argued publication of his case would impact his son’s employment and “cause unnecessary hardship” to him, as well as a “detrimental effect” to Warland’s wife.

Warland was a decorated member of the Berri Football Club prior to being charged. Picture: Supplied

Granted an interim suppression order, Warland opted not to pursue it at his next court hearing and his case was publicised.

On Tuesday, Warland’s case was listed for prosecutors to inform the court whether they would be proceeding with the charge as alleged.

They confirmed they would do so – prompting Warland’s lawyer to inform the court his client was prepared to plead guilty.

From the dock, Warland pleaded guilty to having communicated with the child – whose identity is suppressed by law – between May 15 and 23, 2022.

Magistrate Karim Soetratma remanded him on continuing bail to face the District Court in March, when a date for sentencing submissions will be set.

Outside court, Warland declined to answer questions and repeatedly checked his watch as he paced up and down Angas St.

Eventually, his lawyer arrived in a car to drive him away from the courthouse.