Lead
A Perth paediatrician is facing 53 charges related to alleged sexual offences against child patients, including sexual penetration, indecent dealing, indecently recording, and using electronic communication to procure a child for sexual activity. The allegations, heard in Perth Magistrates Court, involve hidden cameras allegedly installed in consulting rooms and online communications with a person described as a self-described paedophile vigilante.
Coverage Comparison
Reporting on the case has come from ABC Australia and the South China Morning Post, with some differences in the number of charges cited. ABC Australia reported that Chia Liang Saw, 41, is facing 53 charges, while the South China Morning Post, referring to him as Saw Chia Liang, reported 33 charges. The discrepancy appears to reflect the timing of charges, with the South China Morning Post noting that 31 new offences were added at a recent court appearance, bringing the total to 33 at that point. ABC Australia's later reporting indicates the total has since risen to 53.
The South China Morning Post also framed the story within a broader context, noting other child sex-related prosecutions involving Malaysian medical practitioners overseas, including a child psychiatrist jailed in Ireland in 2024 and another doctor convicted in Australia last year. ABC Australia's coverage has focused primarily on the details of the Perth case, including the alleged victims and the court proceedings.
Key Claims
Charges and Allegations
According to ABC Australia, Dr Saw is facing 53 charges, including sexual penetration, indecent dealing, indecently recording, and using electronic communication to procure a child for sexual activity. The court was told that the alleged offences were captured on hidden cameras installed in his Nedlands and Midland consulting rooms, where he treated children with behavioural issues. The South China Morning Post also reported the hidden camera allegations, citing earlier ABC reporting.
Victims
ABC Australia reported that police have identified ten alleged victims, mainly young female patients aged between 12 and 15. The court was also told of a 10-year-old girl who police allege was abused in a home, and a child allegedly exploited online in 2022. Investigators noted that there could be seven additional victims, and further charges were expected after a child was interviewed on a weekend. The South China Morning Post, citing earlier court proceedings, mentioned that investigators had identified "eight, possibly nine victims."
Online Communication with Vigilante
ABC Australia reported that 20 of the electronic communication charges involve a person described by Dr Saw's lawyer, Alex Smith, as a vigilante taking on a "child persona." Mr Smith told the court that "this is a person that doesn't exist," and that the vigilante had set up an account and allegedly engaged in conversations with Dr Saw, purporting to be a child. Magistrate Matthew Walton noted that the vigilante had provided the messages to Western Australia Police. Dr Saw was allegedly unknowingly communicating with this person.
Bail and Suspension
Dr Saw has been suspended from practising, according to ABC Australia. His defence lawyer, Alex Smith, is arguing for his release on bail. A bail hearing was adjourned until the next week, as reported by ABC Australia. The South China Morning Post, citing a court spokeswoman, said there was "no application for bail on that day" and that the bail hearing would be held on Tuesday.
Additional Context
The South China Morning Post reported that the offences were allegedly committed in Perth between November 2022 and May this year, and that Dr Saw did not enter a plea. ABC Australia noted that Dr Saw was originally charged last month with persistent sexual conduct with a child under 16 and possessing child exploitation material, but now faces 53 offences.