A Brisbane man detected by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in possession of almost 90,000 images of child abuse material (CAM) has been sentenced.
On 11 May 2018, the then 69-year-old man attempted to depart Brisbane for a holiday in Italy with his partner. After being selected for a baggage inspection, a USB device and laptop were seized and examined.
The USB device contained 184 CAM images, while the laptop contained 88,249 CAM images.
The man was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted export of Tier 2 goods, contrary to s233BAB(6) of the Customs Act 1902. The matter was also referred to Queensland Police Service for their further investigation.
In the Brisbane District Court on June 23, the man entered a guilty plea to the following charges:
One count of Attempted Export of tier 2 good (s233BAB(6) Customs Act 1901 by virtue of s11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cwth)
Two counts of using a carriage service for child abuse material, contrary to s s474.22(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cwth)
Two counts of knowingly possess child abuse material (s228D of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld)
The man was convicted and sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, fully suspended, with a two-year good behaviour bond and a $1000 recognisance.
The maximum penalty for the import or export of child abuse material is 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $525,000.
