New South Wales man jailed for possessing child abuse material
A 57-year-old New South Wales man has been sentenced to three years and three months' imprisonment for possessing child abuse material.
Police executed a search warrant at the Mulwala man's residence in July 2020. During the search of the premises, police located and seized a number of electronic devices containing files assessed to be child abuse material. The man was subsequently charged with child abuse material offences.
In March 2021, the Mulwala man pleaded guilty to possessing or controlling child abuse material, obtained or accessed using a carriage service.
On 25 June 2021, the man appeared before Albury Local Court where he was sentenced to three years and three months' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of two years and two months.
Federal Agent Adam Barcham said anyone who views or possesses child abuse material is causing harm to the victim.
"Real children are behind every image, every video, and they are being abused in the worst possible way. It's abhorrent and the AFP will do everything in its power to put a stop to these crimes," Federal Agent Barcham said.
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the Report Abuse button.
If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available, visit the ACCCEto learn more.
Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protection children online can be found at ThinkUKnow, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
Note to media:
Use of term 'CHILD ABUSE' MATERIAL NOT 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'
The correct legal term is Child Abuse Material – the move to this wording was among amendments to Commonwealth legislation in 2019 to more accurately reflect the gravity of the crimes and the harm inflicted on victims.
Use of the phrase "child pornography" is inaccurate and benefits child sex abusers because it:
- indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and
- conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.
Every photograph or video captures an actual situation where a child has been abused.
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