Man charged with possessing child abuse material

Facing Court

ACT Policing has charged a 67-year-old Greenway man with multiple child abuse material (CAM) offences following a search of his residence yesterday (13 January 2021).

The search warrant revealed a number of indecent images and videos on the man’s computer and hard drive which police will allege depict child abuse material.

A number of devices were seized and will undergo further digital forensic analysis.

Police will also allege the man unsuccessfully attempted to turn off the power to his home during the execution of the warrant to prevent police accessing his computer.

The man was bailed and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, 19 February 2021.

Anyone with information regarding child abuse material is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.

Note to media:

Use of term ‘CHILD ABUSE’ MATERIAL NOT ‘CHILD PORNOGRAPHY’

The correct legal term is Child Abuse Material – the move to this wording was among amendments to Commonwealth legislation in 2019 to more accurately reflect the gravity of the crimes and the harm inflicted on victims.

Use of the phrase "child pornography" is inaccurate and benefits child sex abusers because it:

  • indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and
  • conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.

Every photograph or video captures an actual situation where a child has been abused.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au

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