Bonner man to face court on child abuse material offences
A 38-year-old Bonner man has been charged with possessing child abuse material and is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court next month.
Following an investigation by officers from ACT Policing’s Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team with the assistance of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, a search warrant was executed in Fyshwick and Bonner yesterday (22 March 2021).
During the warrant activity, police located a phone and computer containing video and image files of child abuse material.
Police also located two registered firearms within the property incorrectly stored as per the ACT Firearms Act and the ACT Firearms Regulations.
The man’s ACT Firearms Licence was suspended and his firearms and ammunition seized.
The man has been charged with possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, possess child exploitation material, and fail to store firearms correctly.
The 38-year-old was arrested and bailed from the ACT Watch House on until 6 April. Further charges are expected.
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in the possession or sharing of child exploitation material are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the Report Abuse button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
Note to media: USE OF TERM 'CHILD ABUSE MATERIAL', NOT 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'
Use of the phrase "child pornography" 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 captures an actual situation where a child has been abused. This is not "pornography".
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au