Tauranga man sentenced to 7 months home detention for possessing extreme child sexual exploitation material

A Tauranga man has been permanently suspended from his duties and sentenced to 7 months home detention after appearing in the Tauranga District Court on September 9, 2024, following an investigation by Te Tari Taiwhenua, Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

The offender pleaded guilty to two representative charges relating to knowingly possessing objectionable material depicting child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Investigators from the Digital Child Exploitation Team (DCET), DIA, were alerted by foreign law enforcement agencies to an individual living in New Zealand who claimed to have abused children and had access to child sexual abuse material.

The investigation identified the man as a possible perpetrator. A search warrant was then executed at his home. Several electronic devices were found and seized.

After forensic examination, he was charged with possession of 374 images and videos depicting horrific and extreme sexual abuse and exploitation of children, including very young children and babies.

Investigators conducted checks to ensure the images were not taken by the perpetrator.

Tim Houston, Manager of the Digital Child Exploitation Team, said:

“Every child deserves to feel safe, loved and cared for. No child should ever be put in such a position or be re-victimized every time images of their abuse are distributed, shared or viewed.”

“Child sexual exploitation material depicts real children who have suffered real harm. These images depict a real crime scene.”

DIA’s DCET works to protect New Zealanders from online harm by tackling and preventing the distribution of child abuse material online.

In 2023, DCET conducted 47 child exploitation investigations, resulting in the discovery of almost 3 million pieces of illegal material in the possession of New Zealanders. This is in addition to the more than 1 million attempts to access websites containing child abuse material that were blocked by the Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System.

Help and support

We encourage parents and carers to talk to their tamariki about their online activities. Advice and support for parents and carers on how to keep their children safe online can be found at KeepItRealOnline.govt.nz.

If you are concerned about something you have seen or want to report a crime, please report it to the Digital Child Exploitation Team at DIA. If you know of any abuse currently taking place or a child at risk, call the police immediately on 111.

If you are a victim of child abuse or sexual abuse, you can contact:

· https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/child-abuse-directory-information-and-support

· Safe to talk: 0800 044 334 Text 4334

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s sexual behaviour, please contact us for support:

· Secure network: 09 377 9898

· WellStop: 04 566 4745

· STOP: 03 353 0257

· Stand strong, walk tall

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