The Department of Internal Affairs

Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

Building a safe, prosperous and respected nation



 

Tip-off results in jail


15/08/2007

A United States government agency tip-off led to a 64 year old central North Island sickness beneficiary being jailed for possessing images of children being sexually abused.

The Manunui man pleaded guilty in the Taumarunui District Court (August 14) to 20 representative charges of possessing an objectionable publication and was sentenced to eight months in prison. He was given leave to apply for home detention.

Internal Affairs Deputy Secretary, Keith Manch said USA government authorities told the Department’s censorship compliance unit in late 2005 that the man had subscribed in March 2004 to a website which distributes images of children being sexually abused. The Department searched his home in May 2005 and found 802 sexually explicit pictures of girls aged between three months and 12 years.

“This case shows how the Department works with international law enforcement agencies to fight this objectionable trade which is fed by adults sexually abusing children,” Keith Manch said. “We are committed to international efforts to help prevent child abuse and our inspectors are very active in tracking down collectors.”


Media Contact:

Keith Manch, Deputy Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs
Ph 04 495 9329; cell 021 227 6363

Trevor Henry, communications adviser, Department of Internal Affairs
Ph 04 495 7211; cell 0275 843 679