A Tasmanian man has been sentenced to a maximum of 12 years in prison for abusing children overseas.
The 39-year-old pleaded guilty in the Hobart Supreme Court to 55 Commonwealth and state offences, including engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under 16, encouraging the offence of engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under 16, procuring a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity and producing child pornography material outside Australia.
The investigation into the man began in 2017 after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) received 14 reports from the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding an online user sending child abuse material via social media.
In March 2018, the man attempted to travel to Indonesia, triggering an alert by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
He was refused entry to Indonesia and ABF officers conducted a baggage examination upon his return to Australia.
Officers seized a mobile phone which was later found to contain child abuse material.
AFP Detective Sergeant Aaron Hardcastle said the man was arrested and charged later that month.
He will be eligible for parole after serving six years of his sentence.
“The creation, sharing and possession of child abuse material is not only abhorrent, but also has profound and long-lasting impacts on the lives of victimised children,” Hardcastle said.
“The AFP is working tirelessly with partners to protect children, no matter where they live, and arresting and prosecuting anyone involved in harming them and stealing their innocence.”
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE.
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 is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
