Darwin court: Name of ex-bikie busted with sickening child abuse stash to remain secret

The identity of a Darwin man busted with thousands of sickening child abuse images will remain a secret after his history as a member of an outlaw bikie gang emerged in court.

The court heard the man had reported being ‘involved with an outlaw motorcycle gang from 2004 until 2008’.

The identity of a Darwin man busted with thousands of sickening child abuse images will remain a secret after his history as a member of an outlaw bikie gang emerged in court.

The 41-year-old, whose name has been suppressed from publication, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to 10 child abuse material charges after police found 8935 files, including some depicting the rape of children as young as two, in his possession.

In jailing the FIFO hydraulic fitter for six years and eight months, Justice John Burns said the man’s stash was “particularly abhorrent and highly depraved” and a psychologist’s report suggested he remained “at significant risk of reoffending”.

“The psychologist expressed the opinion that you are a high risk to society with your elevated test scores and impulsiveness, anti-social, anger, sexual adjustment and child molestation scales,” he said.

But Justice Burns said the man’s history of membership of bikie gangs meant he was also “at risk of retribution from those involved in these organisations, particularly while you are in custody”, which would make his time behind bars more difficult.

Justice Burns said the man had reported being “involved with an outlaw motorcycle gang from 2004 until 2008”.

Justice John Burns said the 41-year-old’s stash was ‘particularly abhorrent and highly depraved’.

“You believe that you continue to be at risk of being targeted by that club, particularly due to their close ties with another outlaw motorcycle gang which has a large presence in the Northern Territory,” he said.

“I note that you told the psychologist that other prisoners in the Darwin Correctional Centre have warned you that you are in danger of serious assault … within the prison.”

Justice Burns said the man had also claimed to “have employment available” when he was ultimately released but had “not informed your prospective employer, who also proposes providing you with accommodation, of the nature of your present offences”.

The man also pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an order to allow police to access his devices after he refused to unlock his phone but digital forensic officers were later able to crack it anyway.

He will be eligible for parole in 2027.

5000 images: Darwin child abuser jailed for sickening stash

Initial, September 14: A Darwin man has been jailed for six years after police found more than 5000 images of toddlers and other young children being abused in his possession.

The 41-year-old pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court in June to 11 offences, including producing, accessing and possessing child abuse material.

His arrest in September last year came after the Australian Federal Police received 49 reports from the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about him sending child abuse material via social media.

AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said the creation, sharing and possession of child abuse material was abhorrent and had long-lasting impacts on the lives of victimised children.

“The AFP is working tirelessly with our state, territory, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners to protect children – no matter where they live,” he said.

Police say child abuse material has long-lasting impacts on the lives of victimised children.

“The AFP, along with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse and bringing those who commit these offences before the court.

“Investigations such as this should serve as a serious warning that law enforcement has zero tolerance for child exploitation and child sexual abuse in any form.”

Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at the ThinkUKnow website, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

Research conducted by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation in 2020 revealed only about half of parents talked to their children about online safety.

Support is available at: www.accce.gov.au/help-and-support/who-can-help

The man will be eligible for parole in 2027.