Charges changed for Hobart firefighter alleged to possess child abuse material

A Commonwealth prosecutor has withdrawn and changed charges for a Hobart firefighter alleged to have possessed child abuse material.

Magistrates Court in Hobart CBD. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

A Hobart firefighter, suspended from duty after he was charged with possessing child exploitation material, has fronted Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Adam Joseph Lincoln, 42, was arrested and charged with one count of possessing child abuse material, using a carriage service, following a joint investigation by Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police through the Tasmanian Joint Anti Child Exploitation team.

A commonwealth prosecutor told the court another charge of using a carriage service to access child abuse material had been withdrawn, the prosecutor instead submitting an application for an additional charge.

Police allege the offending to have occurred at a Hobart residence on April 26 this year.

Magistrate Chris Webster adjourned the matter without plea to a later date, bailing Mr Lincoln until his next appearance.

In a statement released in April, Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Jeremy Smith said Mr Lincoln was immediately suspended from duty pending the outcome of the court process.

“This is distressing news, and wellbeing services are being made available to TFS staff and volunteers as required,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Lincoln will next appear at the Hobart Magistrates Court on December 3.

Originally published as Charges changed for Hobart firefighter alleged to possess child abuse material