Roy Waters, 54, to plead guilty to ‘highly unusual’ charge, contest child abuse material allegation

The 54-year-old will contest a child abuse material charge while taking ‘full responsibility’ for violent videos found on his phone. His identity can now be revealed for the first time.

A Darwin man allegedly busted importing child abuse material into Australia will contest the charge while pleading guilty to possessing violent images from the war in Ukraine.

Roy Waters, 54, faced the Darwin Local Court on Tuesday where his lawyer, Peter Maley, described the “possessing a violent image” charge as “highly unusual”.

“There are really two categories of offences currently before the court,” he said.

“There are some complaint matters which are charges that my client had objectionable goods, that is images depicting violence, on his mobile phone, they’re going to be pleas of guilty — he accepts complete responsibility for that.

Roy Waters (right) leaves the Darwin Local Court with his lawyer Peter Maley after being committed to stand trial charged with importing child abuse material.

“The other charge is the matters on information, they are required to go to the Supreme Court, they will be contested, and I can indicate that I’m in a position to concede a prima facie case.

“The (complaint) offence is highly unusual, possessing a violent image, or images, on a phone, which is comprising of the Ukraine-Russian war and video that’s been circulating around.”

Judge Alan Woodcock committed Waters to stand trial in the Supreme Court on the child pornography charge while adjourning the other charge to August 20.

Darwin Airport search allegedly uncovers child abuse files

A 54-year-old Darwin man will front court on Tuesday after a random search at Darwin International Airport allegedly uncovered child abuse material on his devices.

The man was selected for a random search by Australian Border Force (ABF) agents after arriving on an international flight from Singapore in December last year, the government agency said in a statement.

This search led to an examination of his electronic devices, which allegedly revealed a quantity of child abuse material on the devices.

Later that same evening, ABF investigators, with support from Australian Federal Police, attended the man’s residential address in Darwin and placed him under arrest.

He is charged with importation of child abuse material contrary to s233BAB (5) of the Customs Act 1901, and importing an objectionable good contrary to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.

Roy Waters is arrested for allegedly bringing child abuse material into the country from Singapore. Picture: Australian Border Force

Vision of his arrest released by ABF shows a handcuffed the man, who was wearing shorts and flip flops, being marched down a long, palm tree-lined driveway towards a waiting divvy van, which he climbs into unaided.

If he pleads or is found guilty, the man faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of $525,000.

He is due to face Darwin Local Court at 2pm.

Speaking generally, ABF Chief Superintendent Tracie Griffin said the agency remained absolutely resolute in its approach to child abuse material.

“The ABF takes its role to protect the Australian community extremely seriously. Our officers are alert to the various indicators that a person may be seeking to travel in or out of Australia with this abhorrent material,” she said.

“Our message is very simple. Do not attempt to engage in this illegal conduct. If you do, we will catch you, and you can expect to face the full legal consequences.

“We won’t hesitate to use our powers to prosecute any individual associated with these vile activities who may pose a threat to our community.”