ECPAT NZ Every Child’s Right - Freedom from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Child Pornography – Te Puke Sentence Insulting

In February 2005 the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Amendment Bill introduced new penalties for the production, trading and possession of Child Pornography.

Penalties now include up to 10 years for producing material and 5 years for possession. This change brought our legislation into line with other countries such as Australia, Canada and the UK.

Yesterday Te Puke man, David Gerard Hide was convicted of possessing and making pornographic images of young girls.

Judge Christopher Harding sentenced him to 250 hours community service and 18 months supervision.

Jane Foster, National Director of ECPAT New Zealand said; “David Hide downloaded pictures from a commercial child pornography pay site. Children were terribly exploited for him to be able to buy these images. These are not victimless crimes. This sentence is an insult to victims of the child pornography industry. It is important judges use the penalties available to punish and deter offenders.”

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