Former SA Police officer Robert Charles Warland spared jail, placed on bond, for sexting boy, 14
This 40-year SA Police veteran knew his victim was just a child and still had sexually explicit chats with him – but a judge says he doesn’t deserve jail.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A retired SA Police officer and prominent Riverland identity who sent sexually explicit messages to a 14-year-old boy was spared jail because a judge ruled his offending was an “opportunistic” lapse of judgment, rather than the actions of a predator.
On Thursday, the District Court released Robert Charles Warland on a good behaviour bond, ordering he forfeit $2000 if he breaches its conditions within the next three years.
In sentencing, Judge Michelle Sutcliffe noted SA law prohibits suspended or home detention sentences for sexual offenders – but bonds were permissible in cases such as this.
“You knew he was 14 (and) told him you were uncomfortable about sending nude images to him due to his age, but continued to engage in sexualised conversation,” she said.
“You expressed regret after sending him a nude image at his request … at times, you expressed a degree of reluctance, and concern for his welfare.
“You were not attempting to make the victim amenable to sexual activity, but to continue to engage in further sexual conversation … your offending was opportunistic.
“Your poor mental health impaired your judgment and led to you succumbing to temptation for a short period before coming to your senses.”
Warland, 72, pleaded guilty to communicating with the intention of procuring a child for sexual activity.
The offence was committed against the child between May 16-20, 2022, in Berri and other places.
Warland was, at that time, a life member, former president and hall of fame member at the Berri Football Club, and its head patron – he was stood down after being charged.
In court, he blamed the “terrible, dark secret” of his “unresolved homosexuality” for his offending, claiming he had sought out a hypnotherapist to “cure” him in 2023.
On Thursday, Warland wiped at his eyes as Judge Sutcliffe outlined his mental health history and “complex post-traumatic stress”.
She said he had been repeatedly traumatised during his 43-year police career but dealt with it only through camaraderie – leaving him “lonely and isolated” after retirement.
“Your poor mental health provides some explanation for an aspect of your offending that would otherwise be inexplicable,” she said.
“You knew what you were doing was wrong and that the victim was vulnerable … your offending was contrary to your life’s work as a police officer.”
Judge Sutcliffe said that in no way excused Warland’s offending, as children needed to be protected from their own “immature” decisions.
“You have pedophilic orientation which is amenable to treatment … I accept you have good prospects for rehabilitation,” she said.
The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.
More Coverage
Originally published as Former SA Police officer Robert Charles Warland spared jail, placed on bond, for sexting boy, 14
Grandfather enters plea to abuse material – but not child sexual abuse
An Adelaide grandfather who allegedly abused multiple children has admitted possessing child exploitation material.
Health insurance discounts to be had as insurers battle it out
Medibank, Bupa and other health insurers are locked in a war for new customers, and consumers can be the beneficiary with big incentives to join or switch. But there are pitfalls to avoid.