OCEANZ investigation leads to Australian arrest

Thursday, 3 October 2013 - 1:21pm

National News

New Zealand Police’s child exploitation prevention unit OCEANZ says that the appearance of a 38 year old man in a New South Wales court yesterday demonstrates the resolve of international law enforcement agencies to tackle child exploitation.

Matthew David Cornish appeared in an Armidale court yesterday charged with two counts of producing, disseminating or possessing child abuse material following a trans-Tasman Police operation.

OCEANZ identified that Cornish posed a potential risk to children and passed their intelligence onto the New South Wales Police.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Michael of OCEANZ said the case is a great example of the close working relationship Police have with their counterparts in Australia.

"Individuals who use the internet to exploit children need to realise that police, and their colleagues in the NZ Customs Service and Department of Internal Affairs, are always seeking to identify and prosecute individuals that are victimising children," Mr Michael said.

"It doesn't matter what country a child or offender in. We are part of a global effort to stamp out child exploitation."

Matthew David Cornish was also charged with a range of firearms and drug offences including cultivating a prohibited plant, supplying cannabis and possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit.

ENDS

Here is a link to an Australian story on the issue;

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/story/1813004/man-appears-before-armidale-court-on-child-sex-charges/?cs=469

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