QLD man jailed for three years over sickening find on USB and laptop

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A 66-year-old southeast Queensland man has been sentenced to three years in jail for accessing child abuse material online.

The Ipswich man pleaded guilty to possessing child abuse material and using a carriage service to transmit the material in the Brisbane District Court on Friday, Australian Federal Police said.

He was arrested in August 2022 following information from the US’s National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children that an Australian was transmitting child abuse material online via an online messenger platform.

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“On August 3, 2022, police executed a warrant at the man’s Bellbird Park home, where a laptop and USB stick allegedly containing child abuse material were located and seized,” an AFP spokesperson said.

“That same day, police executed a second search warrant at the man’s workplace in Brisbane City, where a mobile phone allegedly containing more child abuse material was seized.“

An Ipswich man has been sentenced to three years in prison for accessing child abuse material. Credit: AFPAFP officer searched the man’s home and work office and seized a laptop and USB containing child abuse material. Credit: AFP

The 66-year-old was conveyed to Brisbane City Watch House, where he was formally charged.

Detective Acting Inspector Tim Murphy said it was important parents educated their children on using online platforms safely.

“Unfortunately, online child abuse material is not rare, and is a focus for the AFP and other law enforcement agencies,” he said.

“Parents, caregivers and the community are the first line of defence when it comes to protecting our children and we need you to educate yourself about online safety.

“Meanwhile, the AFP and other law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute those preying on children.”