Stuart Murray jailed over child abuse material, grooming offences

A woman matched with a Geelong man on a dating app. She went to the police after he started talking about exploiting children.

Man wearing hoody sweater with mobile phone in hands. Crime and hacking concept; scam generic.

A Geelong man’s “vile criminality” was revealed after a woman he matched with on a dating app tipped-off police about him.

Stuart Murray, 45, of Hamlyn Heights, was sentenced in the County Court last Tuesday, having earlier this month pleaded guilty to possessing child abuse material and using a carriage service to groom another person to make it easier to procure a child believed to be under 16 years of age to engage in sexual activity.

He was sentenced to two years and two months jail, to be released after four months on a Commonwealth Recognisance Release Order.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) said an investigation into the man by the Victorian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) began in December 2023, after a woman came to police with concerns after matching with Murray on a dating app.

JACET comprises AFP and Victoria Police officers.

She told police he initiated a conversation in which he both expressed interest in sexually exploiting children and also attempted to engage in fantasy role-play based on the abuse of children.

After linking the man to the illegal activity, police raided his home on December 12, 2023 and found child abuse material on a mobile phone.

Officers seized several electronic devices, including multiple laptops and the mobile phone with the dating app downloaded.

Digital forensic analysis of these devices identified more than 60 images containing child abuse material.

AFP Detective Superintendent Bernard Geason thanked the woman who came forward.

“Those who seek to commit unspeakable acts against children are often active online,” he said.

“While identifying these predators is a priority for police, we also rely on the public to voice any concerns, noting the information they provide, however small, can be invaluable to investigators.

“In this case, a dating app match led to a date with the courts, which I hope sends a warning to those participating in this vile criminality that you can expect a knock at the door any time.”

Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).

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.

Originally published as Stuart Murray jailed over child abuse material, grooming offences