Mooroopna man Jessie Hanley pleads guilty to possessing child abuse material

A Mooroopna grub has been busted with vile child abuse material stashed on two mobile phones in offending described as “despicable” and “abhorrent”.

A search by police of a Mooroopna man’s phones found images containing child abuse material.

A Mooroopna sex fiend has been busted with a vile stash of child abuse material stored on two mobile phones that a judge labelled “despicable” and “abhorrent”.

Jessie Hanley, 38, pleaded guilty in Shepparton County Court on Wednesday to child abuse material and weapons charges.

Between November 13 and 15, 2023, Hanley accessed child abuse material through Facebook messenger when seven images were sent to his profile.

Responses to those images included “hot”, “yeah boy” and “smack that”, which prosecutor Andrew Morrison said confirmed he viewed the messages.

On May 9, a search warrant was executed at his home and police found two mobile phones containing a total of 46 images containing child abuse material and an extendible baton.

Defence lawyer Glenn Casement said Hanley endured “difficulties” growing up and had some health concerns.

He said it was encouraging Hanley now had the support of his older brother and a long-term friend and that he was realistic about a need for mental health care.

Jessie Hanley, 38, pleaded guilty in Shepparton County Court on Wednesday to child abuse material charges.

Judge Daniel Holding said while the total number of images was low when compared to other cases which often saw 100s of files of child abuse material, the images were “despicable”.

“This material is so abhorrent,” he said.

“Just by looking at it creates a market and children get treated abominably.”

Hanley had no criminal history and Judge Holding said he viewed the prospects for rehabilitation as “reasonably good”.

He said a psychologist report showed the offending occurred in the context of loneliness and isolation but did not explain the motivations for possessing the material.

“With his history he is likely to benefit from professional treatment and ongoing monitoring,” he said.

Judge Holding said, while it could change, his preliminary view was a period of imprisonment, but exceptional circumstances would warrant immediate release.

This would put Hanley on a recognisance release order, which would involve rehabilitation programs.

Judge Holding told Hanley if he were to face similar charges in the future it would be a mandatory minimum of four years’ jail

“I’m giving you this one chance,” he said.

Hanley is expected to be sentenced on July 1.