A Queensland man who was employed as a musician by a large cruise ship operator has been imprisoned for obtaining and accessing child abuse material - including almost 600 images and videos.
The 44-year-old man came to the attention of Australian Border Force (ABF) officers when flying into Brisbane International Airport from New Zealand on 20 January 2020.
Following a baggage search, six electronic devices were found and seized, five of which were later determined to contain child abuse material.
ABF officers interviewed the man, who was charged under the Customs Act 1901 under 233BAB(5) special offence relating to tier 2 goods - child abuse material, and 273.6 (1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 - possession of material, being child abuse material outside Australia.
On 8 June 2023, the man was sentenced in the Brisbane District Court to 18 months imprisonment to serve at least four months. He is required to pay a $2,000 security on his release and will be subject to good behaviour conditions for five years.
ABF Commander James Copeman said this week's court outcome highlighted the grave consequences for engaging with this appalling crime type.
"Our officers dedicate their lives to the protection of the Australian community. This week's court outcome makes it clear that those who commit this truly heinous crime can expect to face the full legal consequences, including imprisonment," Commander Copeman said.
"Our message is very simple - if you conduct this illegal activity, you can expect the ABF to detect it whether you arrive by air or sea, and for you to face the full legal consequences as we work together with our law enforcement partners to keep Australia safe."
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE at www.accce.gov.au/report. 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 at www.accce.gov.au/support.
People in the community can also report suspicious border-related activity at any time through Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously at www.borderwatch.gov.au
