Mitchell Paul Wilson, 25: North Manly plumber charged with possessing child abuse material

A collection of vile child abuse material was allegedly found on the mobile phone belonging to a young northern beaches’ plumber. See what happened in court.

A plumber, 25, from North Manly, has been charged with possessing child abuse material as well as allegedly trying to solicit and access child abuse material on his mobile phone. File picture: istock

A young Sydney plumber has been charged with having, and trying to buy, child abuse material.

Mitchell Paul Wilson, 25, who lives with his parents at North Manly, allegedly had the illegal images and videos on his mobile phone.

It’s alleged there was also evidence that Mr Wilson had tried to buy further child abuse material.

Manly Local Court heard that he was charged after what was described in court on Thursday afternoon, as a “long” police investigation.

Mr Wilson was charged with one count each of possess child abuse material; use carriage service to solicit child abuse material and: use carriage service to access child abuse material.

Police allegedly found child abuse material on the plumber’s phone at North Manly on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

During an application for bail the court heard that Mr Wilson, who was arrested on Thursday morning, had been “self-identifying his preferences”.

In opposing bail, the police prosecutor said the “court would have concerns for children in that age bracket” if Mr Wilson was released on bail.

The prosecutor also told the court that there had been “some planning in terms of offending” and he had been making contact with certain parties and “paying funds for certain material”.

He had also co-operated with police “to some extent” the prosecutor told the court.

Mr Wilson’s lawyer said his client did not have a police record and had provided details of all his email accounts to police.

He is yet to enter a plea.

Police will allege in court that he possessed child abuse material at North Manly on July 25.

It will also be alleged that Mr Wilson used a mobile phone to solicit child abuse material between December 6 and 29, 2023, according to documents tendered to court.

He also allegedly used a carriage service to access child abuse material on April 4 this year.

In granting Mr Wilson bail, Magistrate Robert Williams noted that the charges were “serious” and there was a ‘strong” prosecution case.

Mitchell Paul Wilson, 25, was granted bail in Manly Local Court on Wednesday. Picture: Monique Harmer

But Mr Williams said if Mr Wilson was held on remand in custody it could be eight to nine months before the charge were committed to the NSW District Court, and then possibly another six to nine months before they went to trial.

The magistrate ordered a number of strict bail conditions including that he not leave home unless to attend work, visit court or the police, or in a medical emergency.

Mr Wilson must also not leave home between 10pm and 5am each day, not contact or associate with anyone aged under 18 and not have any social media apps, including Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram on his mobile phone that enable communication with others, “particularly children aged under 18.

Mr Williams also ordered that a $10,000 surety be lodged with the court that would be forfeited to the court if Mr Wilson failed to appear in court.

The matters were adjourned to the Downing Centre Local Court on September 17.