Jailed for child sex abuse pictures

A 38-year-old Wanganui man was jailed for 11 months when he was re-sentenced on 10 charges of possessing objectionable publications – pictures of children being sexually abused by adults.

Terrence Paul Cavanagh, was originally sentenced in June 2007 to community work and supervision for the offences. Judge John Clapham warned him then that imprisonment would result if he breached the terms of the sentence.

ECPAT NZ believes longer sentences must be imposed by the judges.

ECPAT NZ director Lyn Mayson states that Commercial child pornography on the Internet is a global business operated mainly by organised crime syndicates. The scale of this business is estimated to have increased 400% over the last five years and turnover is estimated at over US$3 billion a year. There is also increasing evidence that people who view these images actively perpetrate sexual abuse of children.

Reporting and blocking these websites and the illegal and dangerous materials they contain protects children in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Government has made some good moves in strengthening the legislation regarding the sexual exploitation of children and this is to be commended.

(In February 2005. Penalties for making and distributing objectionable images went from a maximum of one year in jail to 10 years and, possession of objectionable material charges went from a maximum fine of $2000 to five years in prison on each charge.) This includes offences related to possessing and/or distributing child sex abuse images on the internet and the grooming of children for sexual exploitation. ECPAT NZ believes these longer sentences must be imposed by the judges.

The DIA team of inspectors constantly monitor the Internet and are part of the worldwide fight against this trade. It is only a matter of time before offenders receive a visit from our team.

ENDS

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