Warning: This article contains details about child sexual abuse offences and online child abuse material. Support services are available for anyone impacted by child sexual abuse or online exploitation.
A New South Wales man has been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment in the Taree District Court for serious child abuse and online child abuse material offences.
The 54-year-old was sentenced on 29 April and will serve a non-parole period of four years.
The Taree man pleaded guilty to four Commonwealth offences and two NSW offences:
- One count of possessing child abuse material using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- Three counts of transmitting child abuse material using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- Two counts of sexually touching a child under 10, contrary to section 66DA of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
Between 8 December 2024 and 16 January 2025, the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received three reports about a social media account transmitting child exploitation material via a messaging platform.
Police linked the account to the man. In May 2025, the AFP executed a search warrant at a property in Taree, seizing a laptop, external hard drive and mobile phone.
NSW Police Force was also investigating the man for sexually touching two children under 10. The AFP and NSW Police subsequently shared information as part of a joint investigation.
The man was later located at a service station in Kempsey South by AFP officers, who seized another mobile phone in his possession.
Forensic examination of the devices identified 432 images and 12 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
The man was charged on 13 May 2025 and remanded in custody.
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP remained committed to identifying and prosecuting offenders who exploit children.
“The AFP, along with our law enforcement partner agencies, are dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse and bringing those who commit these offences before the court,” Det Supt Needham said.
“Our common goal is to protect children, and to ensure anyone who tries to harm them is identified and brought before the courts.
“This outcome should serve as yet another serious warning that law enforcement has zero tolerance for child exploitation and child sexual abuse in any form.”
NSW Police State Crime Commander, Child Abuse Squad, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said the result reflected strong cooperation between state and Commonwealth agencies.
“This offender caused significant harm, and today’s sentence demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting children and holding perpetrators to account,” Det Supt Howlett said.
“NSW Police worked closely with the AFP to ensure every piece of evidence was uncovered and every offence fully investigated.
“Child abuse in any form is abhorrent, and we will continue to pursue anyone who seeks to exploit or harm children – wherever they are and whatever platform they use.”
The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse. The ACCCE leads a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse, bringing together specialist expertise to support investigations into online child sexual exploitation and develop prevention strategies.
Members of the public with information about child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. If a child is at immediate risk, call police on 000.
Support services are available for people impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation.
ACCCE research in 2020 found only about half of parents had spoken to their children about online safety. Advice for parents and carers is available through ThinkUKnow, an AFP-led education program aimed at preventing online child sexual exploitation.
For more information on the role of the ACCCE, what is online child sexual exploitation and how to report it visit the ACCCE website.
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