Liverpool Local Court jails Wade Blackler for masturbating in front of children

A man caught staring at children while masturbating inside his southwest Sydney home has blamed “excessive” drug use for his clouded judgement.

Liverpool courthouse. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

A man caught staring at children while masturbating inside his southwest Sydney home has blamed “excessive” drug use for his clouded judgement.

Ashcroft man Wade Blackler, 58, was sentenced to seven months in jail, with a four-month non-parole period, when he faced Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of intentionally carrying out a sexual act with or towards a child, during a period spanning seven months.

Agreed facts state that in mid-2023, a teenage girl was walking past Blackler’s house when she saw him through his window.

“Blackler was standing on a table completely naked, touching his penis and looking at the victim and their friend,” the facts state.

Then, in February, a group of three children were in the area when they spotted Blackler standing in his front window, shirtless with his hand “moving near his genitals”.

Liverpool Local Court, where Wade Blackler was sentenced.

Despite the trio calling him a “creep”, Blackler continued to peer at the children from the corner of the window.

The victim’s father called police, who arrested Blackler after the children said the 58-year-old was naked.

Blackler’s lawyer said his client, who had schizophrenia and an acquired brain injury, had shown remorse and admitted his judgement had been clouded by excessive drug use.

“Since his arrest he appreciates how serious the matter is, considering children were involved,” the lawyer said.

“He does have an acquired brain injury, which goes some way to explain his actions, and he acknowledges his actions were inappropriate.”

His lawyer argued while Blackler’s actions were of a “serious nature”, there were “no words spoken or threats” and he did not say anything to draw attention to himself.

“There were no menacing gestures or invites to come closer … when (a) victim called out, he moved away and stopped.”

Liverpool Local Court. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

A prosecutor argued while Blackler had no prior convictions for similar offending, his criminal history “disentitled him to any leniency” and he should be sentenced to time behind bars.

She said Blackler had shown “limited insight to his offending” and had been deemed a “high risk” of further offending.

Magistrate Imad Abdul-Karim said while Blackler had denied any sexual desires relating to the children, his risk of reoffending was “set out to be above average”.

“This is in part due to his record and previous non compliance with court orders,” he said.

Mr Abdul-Karim also said while the offending was “below mid-range, it cannot be said to be trivial”.

Blackler, who was ultimately escorted from the courtroom in handcuffs, is due to be released on parole in March 2025.