SA government moves to seize Moonta home of Kadina ex-teacher and pedophile Thomas Robert Ackland ahead of lawsuit

This pedophile’s victim wants the state government to pay $500,000 compensation for his abuse. But first, bureaucrats want the criminal’s $405,000 seaside home.

The state government wants to seize a convicted pedophile ex-teacher’s $405,000 seaside home as it prepares to defend itself against a $500,000 lawsuit from one of his victims.

The District Court has this week agreed to extend a freezing order on Thomas Robert Ackland’s 700 sqm, four-bedroom home at Moonta.

The government is seeking to seize the property as a criminal asset, following Ackland’s convictions for abusing boys while teaching at Kadina Memorial School.

Ackland, however, has opposed the bid, claiming the 2009-built property does not qualify as a criminal asset because it does not truly belong to him.

“Ackland does not hold equity in (the property at) Moonta,” his defence papers, filed with the court, assert.

“Ackland is in debt to his parents.”

Former Yorke Peninsula teacher Thomas Ackland is serving a prison term for multiple child-sex offences. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

The government is being sued by one of Ackland’s former students, known as “Dennis”, for $500,000 over its alleged negligence and vicarious liability.

Dennis, one of Ackland’s 11 victims, claims the school knew he was grooming students for seven months prior to his crimes, but did nothing.

The woman who blew the whistle on Ackland has claimed the school “shut down” children or parents talking about the crimes, and that “nothing was ever said or done” after her report.

South Australia has a designated fund for paying compensation to survivors of crime, called the Victims of Crime Compensation Fund.

All levies paid on criminal offences, from speeding fines through to major cases, are funnelled into the fund, and it makes in excess of $1.15 million every week.

In 2023, the Fund earned $60.74 million, had a total expenditure of $61.5 million, and a closing balance of $200 million.

The state government is being sued by one of Ackland’s victims, who alleges negligence and vicarious liability. Picture: Facebook

Documents released by the court this week show the government took out a freezing order on Ackland’s property on March 7, 2024.

On Monday, Ackland watched by video link from Mount Gambier Prison as a Crown Solicitor asked that order be further extended until July 15.

“On the last occasion, this matter was adjourned for some legal advice to be provided to Ackland’s mother,” he said.

“In the intervening period, the parties have agreed in principle how to dispose of the property that’s subject to the freezing order.

“We’re seeking an extension of time to (formalise) what has been agreed.”

He asked the freezing order extend 24 hours past the next court hearing “because of administrative difficulties in regards to freezing orders in the Lands Titles Office”.

Counsel for Ackland said they did not object – Chief Judge Michael Evans extended the order and adjourned the matter until July.