Brenton Jon Nathanael Hunter pleaded guilty to possessing child exploitation material

A Hervey Bay father used Snapchat to send sickening videos of children as young as one. Now, a court hearing has revealed his surprising response the day Federal Police came knocking.

Disturbing videos depicting the sexual abuse of babies were just some of the revolting child abuse images shared in the Snapchat app of a Hervey Bay father, who told police he was glad he had been caught.

Brenton Jon Nathanael Hunter, 30, pleaded guilty to transmitting, accessing and possessing child exploitation material when he faced Hervey Bay District Court.

The court heard the offending took place between January 10 and March 17, 2021.

On March 17, the Australian Federal Police searched Hunter’s Kawungan home and examined his phone.

Material was located in his Snapchat app, where Hunter had shared up to 60 videos with other men.

The children in the videos were aged from one to children in their teens.

The court heard 47 videos were classed as Category 1, the most serious, depicting graphic sexual violence against young children.

When Hunter took part in an interview with police, he admitted he knew the offending was wrong.

Hunter had been exposed to considerable trauma growing up, the court heard, including witnessing the sexual assault of his mother.

A psychological report was prepared for Hunter’s defence, but Judge Suzanne Sheridan said it did not provide context to the offending.

Judge Sheridan said a more comprehensive report was needed to show the connection between the trauma Hunter had experienced and his offending.

The matter was adjourned until March 4.