Tasmanian man who repeatedly sexually abused children jailed after AFP investigation

A Tasmanian man has been sentenced to a maximum term of 12 years in prison for child abuse overseas.

The 39-year-old pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court in Hobart to 55 Commonwealth and state offences, including having sexual intercourse with a child under 16, inciting sexual intercourse with a child under 16, inducing a child under 16 to engage in sexual conduct and producing child pornography outside Australia.

The investigation into the man began in 2017 after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) received 14 reports from the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about an online user who was distributing child abuse material via social media.

In March 2018, the man attempted to travel to Indonesia, which triggered an alert from the Australian Border Force (ABF).

He was denied entry to Indonesia and ABF officials conducted a baggage search upon his return to Australia.

Officers confiscated 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.

After serving six years of his prison sentence, he can be released on parole.

“The creation, sharing and possession of child abuse material is not only abhorrent, it has profound and long-term effects on the lives of the children affected,” said Hardcastle.

“The AFP works tirelessly with partners to protect children wherever they live and to arrest and prosecute anyone who harms them and robs them of their innocence.”

Citizens who have information about individuals involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE.

If you know that abuse is taking place or a child is in danger, call the police immediately on 000.

If you or someone you know is affected by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.