Benjamin John Waters: Former political Adviser charged with child exploitation offences admits guilt

A former political adviser to a frontbench MP has pleaded guilty to child sex abuse charges while appearing in court on Monday.

Former SA political advisor Benjamin Waters is facing child sex offences in the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: Facebook

A former political adviser has admitted to several child exploitation offences while appearing in court on Monday.

Benjamin John Waters, 38, was arrested in March this year as part of an investigation into another person by the SA Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET).

He was charged with accessing and transmitting child abuse material using a carriage service, with the offences alleged to have occurred between January 20 and 26 this year.

He was also charged with possessing illegal material on March 30 which depicted children under the age of 14 years as well as between 14-17 years.

Benjamin John Waters has pleaded guilty to the child exploitation charges against him. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

Appearing in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, he pleaded guilty to all charges against him.

During his pleas, the court heard he admitted to knowing the material he possessed, which consisted of images and videos, was of a “pornographic nature”.

“On those (guilty) pleas you will be sentenced in the District Court,” Magistrate John Wells said.

The prosecution did not oppose for Waters to remain on bail.

Mr Waters worked as an Adviser for Labor MP Nat Cook (pictured) at the time of his arrest. Picture: Keryn Stevens/ AAP Image

At the time of his arrest, Mr Waters worked as an adviser to SA Labor MP Nat Cook.

The Member for Hurtle Vale said she was “shocked” when she learnt of the charges and took “immediate action” by requesting he be immediately terminated and blocked from all access to buildings and IT.

“I also advised the Labor Party who I understand held an emergency State Executive meeting this morning (March 31) and have expelled this person as a member,” Ms Cook said.

Mr Waters is due to appear in the District Court September.