QLD man in court over sexual abuse of sister, distribution of CEM online

A young man who has refused to talk about his sexual offending against children with youth justice officers is facing actual time in custody for a disturbing act on his little sister. Warning: Distressing

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A young man who has refused to talk about his sexual offending against children with youth justice officers is facing actual time in custody for a sexual act towards his then five to six year old sister, committed when he was underage.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton District Children’s Court to one count each of indecent treatment of a child, filming child exploitation (CEM) and distributing CEM.

He also pleaded guilty in the adults jurisdiction of the district court to one count of possessing CEM.

Defence barrister Maree Willey said police became aware of particular images being uploaded to a Google Drive and visited the defendant at his home.

She said a search of his phone revealed two folders of CEM material – including 26 CEM images and one CEM video among other images.

Crown prosecutor Matthew Sutton said the other files included adult pornography.

He provided the court with a 10-page outline, stating the matter was complex due to the charges in the two different jurisdictions, with one of the serious offences being when the defendant was underage.

In that instance, he carried out a sexual act on his sister, filmed it and uploaded it to the internet.

Ms Willey said psychologically, her client was socially impaired due to his mental health issue, living with family and being unemployed.

She said a report prepared by a psychologist outlined her client requiring treatment and intervention, but the sex offender courses available in prison were not tailored with her client’s diagnoses in mind.

Ms Willey said the defendant had a disadvantaged upbringing, being in and out of foster care and being a victim of sexual abuse.

She said the author of the presentence report provided to the court noted the defendant “was anxious and reluctant to talk about the offending” and “felt bad about what he had done”.

“There’s no rehabilitation. There’s no insight. The defendant poses a considerable risk,” Mr Sutton said.

He has asked that the defendant receive a prison term of two to three years to serve actual time in custody.

Ms Willey submitted for six to nine months prison with no actual time served in prison, plus a three-year probation order.

Judge Jeff Clarke adjourned the sentence until March 17.