SA paedophile Geoffrey William Moyle consents to having assets frozen ahead of legal-first bid, by former sex slave, for compensation

This SA paedophile’s victim made history by asking a court to jail him and pay her compensation. Now he’s responded to her Australian-first challenge.

Geoffrey William Moyle has admitted sexually abusing children in Cambodia and publishing child exploitation material online. Picture: 10 News First.

An Adelaide paedophile facing an Australian first legal bid, by a former sex slave, to strip him of his assets has consented to having his assets frozen prior to sentencing.

But Geoffrey William Moyle – who allegedly considered fleeing the country after his arrest – insists he had no intention of disposing of his money before his victim could access them.

On Thursday, the District Court heard counsel for both Moyle and his Cambodian victim had drafted orders, by mutual consent, locking his finances in place for the foreseeable future.

Heath Barklay SC, for Moyle, said his client – who is being held at Mount Gambier Prison – had agreed to that “as a matter or practicality”.

“It’s not conceded Moyle would have disposed of his assets, I want to be clear about that,” he said.

“But given he had no such intention, and in circumstances where he is comfortable he still has an income to deal with personal matters, we’re prepared to consent.

“We do so without making any concession that he would, if this order was not imposed, attempt to dispose of his assets or otherwise get rid of them.”

Prosecutors allege Moyle used Google to research ways to emigrate from Australia after he was first charged. Picture: Supplied.

Moyle, 47, of Westbourne Park, has pleaded guilty to multiple offences including having sex with a person outside Australia aged under 16 years.

During overseas trips, he sexually abused child slaves held in Cambodian brothels, filmed his acts and then shared them with others online.

His arrest was secured by those same videos, which had recorded the distinctive “skin tag” or growth on his inner thigh, proving he was the man committing the sex crimes.

On Wednesday, one of the victims – now an adult woman – made Australian legal history by asking the court to order Moyle make financial reparation to her as well as serve jail time.

If successful, her bid – under existing, previously unused Commonwealth law – will pave the way for victims from impoverished nations to be compensated without separate lawsuits.

On Thursday, Jonathan Wells QC – who is acting for the woman pro bono – said there was no longer any barrier to his client’s request that Moyle’s assets be frozen.

He said that, under the drafted orders, Moyle would continue to receive income from his rental property but all other funds would remain in stasis.

“This matter has been the subject of discussion over the past 24 hours … all of them have been canvassed and, as a result, the parties have agreed to terms,” he said.

Judge Paul Cuthbertson said he would take the draft orders under consideration and inform the parties of his decision at a later date.