A Western Sydney man has been sentenced to two years and three months’ jail in the Penrith Local Court today (28 March 2022) after AFP Child Protection Operations investigators found thousands of child abuse videos and images on his electronic devices.
AFP investigators arrested the 29-year-old man on 25 March 2021 following a search warrant executed at his Werrington home. Police seized seven electronic devices which were all later found to contain child abuse material.
The man was initially charged with possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
He was also charged with:
- Accessing child pornography using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.19(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- Accessing child abuse material using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The man pleaded guilty to all charges on 22 October 2022.
“The AFP will never stop pursuing offenders who try to hide their illicit activities from law enforcement. They have a clear disregard for the children suffering behind these images and videos and we must stop them from causing further harm,” Constable Lokugamage said.
The man was sentenced to two years and three months’ jail. He is eligible for release under strict conditions in March 2023.
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available at www.accce.gov.au/support.
Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at www.thinkuknow.org.au, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
The AFP is also urging the public to help it solve cold case child abuse investigations through its Stop Child Abuse – Trace an Object initiative. The smallest clue can often help solve a case.
The world-leading initiative, is centred on the publishing of non-confrontational images that can be seen in child exploitation online material such as pieces of clothing or bedding.
Australian investigators believe the images are linked to victims in the Asia Pacific Region, including Australia, and are calling on the community to view the images and make a report at www.accce.gov.au/trace
The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the ACCCE is at the centre of a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse.
The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into child sexual abuse and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
