Robert David Booth pleads guilty to possessing, distributing child exploitation material

A man who was busted with a stash of child abuse material at a Gold Coast home – and admitted distributing it to others – has walked free from court.

A dad who was busted with a stash of child abuse material at a Gold Coast home – and admitted distributing it to others – has avoided a jail sentence.

Police found the 10 files saved to a mobile phone when they searched Robert David Booth’s Carrara home on December 8, 2022.

Southport District Court was told the images included both real children and animations or cartoons, and were saved across folders with titles such as “young pics only” and “naughty dirty daddy’s album”.

Prosecutor Amelia Baker-Smith said Booth had made accounts on Instagram and Kik about two years prior, becoming involved in groups where members engaged in sexual role-play.

Booth told police he would assume whichever character the other unknown users needed in various scenarios – including “age play”, incest, and bestiality – during which he was sent child exploitation material, most of which was animated.

Ms Baker-Smith said the 54-year-old also admitted he sent pictures and videos to other users on five to 10 occasions after being “pestered” for them.

Booth – who appeared with no history of similar offending – sat in the dock with his head bowed throughout much of the court proceedings.

Defence barrister James McNab said Booth felt isolated and struggled with his mental health amid the breakdown of several close friendships, and turned to the internet in his search for social connection.

Mr McNab said a psychological report indicated the divorced father of two felt shame and disgust at his offending, and that there was no evidence he was sexually attracted to children.

“His conduct is serious, and in other respects it’s also naive – going to these chatrooms to try to form peer relationships,” he said.

“He understands these matters aren’t a victimless crime.”

Chief Judge Brian Devereaux said he found exceptional circumstances meaning Booth did not have to spend any time behind bars, including the unusually low number of files and his admissions to police.

Judge Devereaux said Booth’s ongoing supervision and rehabilitation was in the community’s best interests.

Booth pleaded guilty to one count each of possessing and distributing child exploitation material.

He was placed on probation for three years and no conviction was recorded.