Greek Australian lawyer George Defteros has taken up a landmark case of basic human rights as his client, a convicted paedophile, has been denied access to IVF treatment due to a 2008 conviction of having sex with a minor.

The case, which went to trial on Tuesday 28 June, saw his 33-year-old client being denied access to IVF treatment by the Patient Review Panel, a body formed under Health Department guidelines, using the new Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act.

The Act, which requires all prospective IVF parents to undergo police checks and argue why they should be allowed access before a review panel, became law when the man was released from prison. Because the couple started IVF treatment before he was arrested – and planned to resume it when he was released from prison – they are claiming that this decision is a breach of their human rights.

Lawyer Defteros, best known for his legal representation of members of the underworld, said that his clients were being denied these rights under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights. He said that his client has paid his debt to society and “should not be subject to legal castration” any longer. The matter is currently before the Victorian Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) for determination. According to Mr Defteros there may be other legal arguments to be presented in higher jurisdictions by either party upon the decision of the Tribunal.