8 August 2018

A 34 year-old man of Christchurch was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court on 8 August 2018 to 25 months in prison for the possession of child sex abuse images and videos.

Corey Andrew Challis pled guilty to two representative charges equalling the possession of 29,380 objectionable images and videos depicting child sexual abuse and exploitation saved to his work computer and external hard drive.

The Department of Internal Affairs’ Censorship Manager, Stephen Waugh, said Challis’ employer discovered the image files and reported the matter to the Department of Internal Affairs.

“It is of particular concern to us when offenders download and view child sexual exploitation and abuse images while at work. This can potentially widen the victimisation circle for the children in these images as well as expose unsuspecting colleagues to these abuse images”, Stephen said.

“We are proactive in our investigation of this material, but we also appreciate the support we get from employers and the community. We are focussed on eliminating the abuse the creation of this material subjects children to as well as the effect of the material on homes and the community”.

If you are concerned that something you have seen may be objectionable or want to report a crime, contact the Censorship team.

If you are the victim of a child abuse crime, visit the Child Abuse: Directory for information and support.

If you or someone you know are struggling, contact organisations such as Safe Network, WellStop and STOP, local treatment providers, or specialist therapists.

ENDS

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