William Ruming: Shoalhaven man accused of producing child abuse material has case postponed

Blurred images and text messages have delayed the court case of a Shoalhaven man accused of producing and disseminating child abuse material.

A Shoalhaven man accused of producing and disseminating child abuse material has had his court case postponed as his defence lawyer awaits evidential images.

William James Ruming first appeared before Batemans Bay Local Court on March 21, charged with producing, possessing, and disseminating child abuse material.

The matter was initially referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, but was returned to the South Coast court on May 16.

Appearing by phone, Sydney-based solicitor Rasheen Mahmodian said that images and text messages received from police were too blurry to make out, stalling progress.

“The images were quite distorted and could not be viewed properly,” she said.

“I have been provided with an updated copy, I just need some time to send them to the defendant.”

Magistrate Doug Dick warned against that course of action.

He said allowing the defendant to view images was a “real danger”.

“There might be real issues with sending any materials on to your client,” Magistrate Dick said.

“I won’t tell you what to do, but there might be some real danger if you forward it on.”

Magistrate Dick adjourned the matter until May 23 so that Ms Mahmodian could consult further with Ruming.