Ipswich, Brisbane mechanic blamed meth for child abuse material, CEM

An Ipswich and Brisbane region diesel mechanic told police he “must have accidentally downloaded” horrific child abuse material because he was high on meth.

Southeast Queensland mechanic Andrew Henry Mottlee has walked free from the Ipswich courthouse after pleading guilty to possessing child exploitation material.

On Friday, February 18, the 31-year-old also pleaded guilty to possessing an anabolic steroid drug — generally used to boost testosterone and enhance muscle mass.

Crown prosecutor Michelle Parfitt told the court the police received a complaint about Mottlee by a young person and when officers raided his home on December 29, 2018, they unintentionally uncovered the child exploitation material (CEM).

“It seems that perhaps that was the primary investigation which caused some delay following the forensic analysis before then charging Mr Mottlee,” Ms Parfitt said.

The court heard 33 images of children were found – 12 of which included penetrative activities with adults.

Ipswich and Brisbane based mechanic blamed being high on meth for downloading child abuse material.

Judge Alexander Horneman Wren SC said Mottlee was not home at the time of the raid, but he later made admissions to police.

“You attributed the possibility of there having been child exploitation material to a time when you were using and affected by methylamphetamine [and] downloading adult pornography, and it might, seemingly incidentally, have been downloaded,” Judge Horneman said.

“It’s said that you haven’t used drugs in more recent times.”

Judge Horneman said CEM was not a victimless crime, but pointed out there was no relationship between the mechanic and children in the photos.

“Every child depicted in those images has been offended against, is a victim, and they’ve been offended against by the performance of vile acts,” he said.

“People who view material … perpetuate the market and perpetuate the perpetration of the offences against the children.”

The Ipswich Courthouse. Picture: Cordell Richardson

Judge Horneman said Mottlee’s prospects of rehabilitation were good as he seemed to be remorseful and had a strong work history and family support.

“In my view, there is no demonstrated risk of safety to children under 16 posed from you,” he said.

Judge Horneman deemed exceptional circumstances were at play given three years had passed since Mottlee’s home was first raided by police.

“For reasons which remain largely unexplained … it is now more than three years since the offences were committed,” he said.

“I consider that there are exceptional circumstances such that a sentencing order which does not see you sentenced to a term of actual imprisonment is within the sound exercise of discretion.”

Mottlee was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for nine months.