Matthew Garry Cross accused of creating, possessing child abuse material

The fiance of Sydney man allegedly found with thousands of photographs and videos depicting child abuse is standing in support of him.

The fiance and parents of a man who allegedly produced and distributed child abuse material online in Sydney’s southwest broke down in court when he was granted bail.

Matthew Gary Cross faced Picton Local Court on March 24 via audiovisual link, charged with possessing child abuse material, two charges of producing child abuse material and intentionally recording an intimate image without consent.

The 34-year-old communications officer for the Rural Fire Service had the support of his fiance, mother and father in the public gallery.

Police allege the Pheasants Nest resident possessed up to 5499 child abuse photographs and up to 1061 child abuse videos between February 2, 2019 and February 17, 2019.

Matthew Garry Cross’ partner (left), father (middle) and mother (right) supported him in court. Picture: Lauren Ferri.

They also allege Mr Cross was involved in the production of child abuse material and distributed images and videos through social media applications.
The 34-year-old is also charged with intentionally recording an intimate image without the consent of the person depicted and was arrested at a home near Tahmoor on March 17 following extensive police investigation.

Mr Cross’ lawyer applied for bail in court on Tuesday, putting up a $2000 surety and saying he will live with his parents on the south coast, more than two-and-a-half hours away from where the alleged offending took place.

“He has no criminal record and has been working his entire adult life as a communications officer for the Rural Fire Service,” he told the court.

The court also heard Mr Cross had been a volunteer firefighter since the age of 18.

“It is unquestionable that these offences are very serious but his community ties are very strong and there is no direct evidence pointing towards the defendant,” his lawyer said.

Mr Cross’s parents outside Picton Local Court on Tuesday. Picture: Lauren Ferri.

Bail was opposed by the police prosecutor, who said there were “serious concerns for the safety of the community and further offending”.

Magistrate Robert Rabbidge acknowledged Mr Cross’ family support and said the risks posed by police could be mitigated as he was reassured the 34-year-old had support from his mother, father and fiance.

Mr Cross was granted bail, with strict conditions he must reside with his parents in Erowal Bay on the NSW south coast.

“He has been a very hardworking person and has done well in the community, with community citations for his work,” Magistrate Rabbidge told the court.

“It does not mean he is innocent but there is presumption of his innocence and there are many reassuring factors that could assist the protection for the community.”

Mr Cross’s fiance will move in with him at Erowal Bay. Picture: Lauren Ferri.

Mr Cross must report to Nowra Police Station each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday between 8am and 8pm, and is not to contact the alleged victims.

He is not to leave home unless in the company of a mother of father, apply for a passport, access the internet or leave the state.

Mr Cross sobbed as he realised he would be leaving custody, with his parents and fiance also visibly emotional given the news.

Fairfield Police began investigating in 2019 and as part of ongoing inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Sydney’s west in May 2020.

Officers allegedly seized mobile phones, a laptop and electronic storage devices and conducted a forensic examination of more than 9800 images and videos.

The investigation is continuing and Mr Cross will return to Fairfield Court on April 14.