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Rutherford: Darren Jon Ware accused of using mobile phone to share child abuse material online

An international operation in collaboration with the United States has seen a Hunter Valley man charged for allegedly using a mobile phone to share child abuse material online.

Darren Ware leaving Maitland Local Court accused of using a mobile phone to share child abuse material online. Picture: Amy Ziniak
Darren Ware leaving Maitland Local Court accused of using a mobile phone to share child abuse material online. Picture: Amy Ziniak

An international operation in collaboration with the United States has seen a Hunter Valley man charged for allegedly using a mobile phone to share child abuse material online.

Darren Jon Ware, 54, from Rutherford was charged last month after a national investigative unit — which specialises in child exploitation — raided his home.

There police allegedly seized two mobile phones which underwent forensic examination.

Police allege he used at least one of these devices to share child abuse material online.

Darren Ware with his solicitor outside Maitland Local Court. Pic Amy Ziniak
Darren Ware with his solicitor outside Maitland Local Court. Pic Amy Ziniak

The investigation began following a report from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in the US, and was referred to the Australian Federal Police’s joint anti child exploitation team.

Mr Ware is now facing four counts of use carriage service to access child abuse material, three counts of possess/control child abuse material using a carriage service and two counts of use carriage service to transmit child abuse material – all alleged to have happened at his Rutherford home.

Darren Ware leaving Maitland Local Court accused of using a mobile phone to share child abuse material online. Picture: Amy Ziniak
Darren Ware leaving Maitland Local Court accused of using a mobile phone to share child abuse material online. Picture: Amy Ziniak

Mr Ware fronted Maitland Local Court on Wednesday where his solicitor adjourned the matter until late April.

He remains on conditional bail which includes he must report daily, not to be unaccompanied in the presence of any person under 16 years and not use the internet or own a mobile phone.

Child abuse charges can carry up to 15 years in jail if proven.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/thenewcastlenews/rutherford-darren-jon-ware-accused-of-using-mobile-phone-to-share-child-abuse-material-online/news-story/dee8d04c1dc2f2caa6af80743ebaa8ee