Stephen Leonard Mitchell arrives at Canberra’s courts in 2022. Photos: Albert McKnight.
CONTENT WARNING: This story refers to child abuse and child sexual abuse material.
A serial child abuser is set to lose nearly $100,000 in superannuation that had been paid for by the government.
Stephen Leonard Mitchell sexually abused six girls between the mid-1990s and the late 2000s, when they were aged between about 10 and 15, while he held various positions that involved working with and coaching children in Canberra.
Following an appeal over a legal error affecting his initial sentence, the ACT Supreme Court resentenced him to a total of 14 years and nine months’ jail in late 2024.
In his recently released reasons, Supreme Court Justice David Mossop decided that Mitchell would have to repay nearly $100,000 in superannuation.
He said the key question to determine was whether Mitchell’s offending would be considered a ”corruption offence” under specific legal provisions.
One of Mitchell’s positions was as a youth officer at a PCYC, which he started in July 2002.
This job meant he was considered an employee of the PCYC, and he would remain in the role until he resigned in September 2005.
Mitchell would also go on to hold other jobs with the Commonwealth and the Australian Defence Force between 2007 and 2024.
This work meant he fell under one of two government-funded superannuation schemes.
According to the decision, Mitchell had $1,198.51 in one of the government-funded superannuation schemes (plus interest) as of 30 July, 2025, while $98,121.10 was in another account.
Stephen Leonard Mitchell was sentenced to more than 14 years’ jail in 2024 for serial child-sex crimes.
In his decision, Justice Mossop found that while Mitchell offended in situations unrelated to his PCYC job, there was an “actual connection” between his job and some of the offending.
“It was by reason of his employment at the PCYC that he came into contact and had authority in his dealings with E [one of the victims],” he said.
“His offending against E involved an abuse of that position and the authority that it carried.”
He also said he was satisfied it was a corruption offence.
The decision means that Mitchell will need to repay the superannuation.
Mitchell, who represented himself during these court proceedings, had argued that losing the near $100,000 meant his ability to support himself when released on parole would be reduced.
He said his accounts had been seized under proceeds of crime laws.
A year’s increase to his 2024 sentence was due to Mitchell admitting to and being sentenced over a charge of giving false or misleading information to a Commonwealth entity.
In a Magistrates Court hearing that ended last year, he was found guilty of indecently assaulting his only adult victim, but he wasn’t handed extra jail time for this offending.
Mitchell’s non-parole period will last until May 2033.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call triple zero.
You can also submit an online report about a historical sexual assault allegation for incidents that occurred more than six months ago.
Jack was literally provided with the budget revenue and taxation figures above but continues to… View