Australian politician arrested for possessing child pornography

[News_Editor]

Australian politician arrested for possessing child pornography

2011-04-21 14:44:39 GMT+7 (ICT)

SYDNEY (BNO NEWS) -- A long-time Australian Member of Parliament in South Australia state was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly possessing child pornography, police said on Thursday.

A statement from South Australia Police said the 38-year-old politician was arrested on Wednesday at his home address in the city of Adelaide, about 1,408 kilometers (875 miles) west of Sydney.

He was arrested on one charge of possession of child pornography, one charge of aggravated possession of child pornography, and two charges of taking steps to access child pornography. He could face more than 7 years in jail if found guilty.

The identity of the Labor MP was known to members of the news media, but Australian law prevents his name from being released until he is either convicted or gives consent for his name to be released. "The man was charged at the City Watch House and released on police bail," a police statement said.

"Like others, I was shocked by reports I read in the newspaper this morning," South Australia Premier Mike Rann said in a statement. "It would be against the law for me to comment on the allegations as the matter is now before the courts."

Police are continuing their investigation and have seized a number of laptops from the MP's residence. "He is to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 20, 2011," police said.

The arrest was the result of 'Operation Decimate' which began in 2007 and targets people who use the internet for child exploitation-related offenses, which includes accessing and distributing child pornography.

"There are currently fifteen active investigations relating to Operation Decimate which include a number of matters that have been referred interstate," police said. "It is important for people to understand that accessing child exploitation material, or attempting to access such material, is a serious criminal offence. The ultimate aim of Operation Decimate is to protect children."

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-04-21

[JetsetBkk]

"one charge of aggravated possession of child pornography"

Aggravated possession? Can't think what that could mean unless he snatched some dirty pictures from a fellow paedo.

[MegaRanter]

long time politician and just 38 years old?

Started politicking at 5, so missed out on a lot

Sick F%cker.

[coma]

"one charge of aggravated possession of child pornography"

Aggravated possession? Can't think what that could mean unless he snatched some dirty pictures from a fellow paedo.

I was thinking the same thing. So I looked it up :

ag·gra·vat·ed

adjective Law . characterized by some feature defined by law that enhances the crime, as the intention of the criminal or the special vulnerability of the victim: aggravated assault; aggravated rape.

"Some 'feature' defind by law " And what feature would that be ??

Did that clear it up for anybody ? LOL

Edited April 21, 2011 by coma

[raylo]

If proved (not found) guilty publicly flog and hang him. Being a pollie he will have a good chance of avoiding most of it. Same as here and any other country

[JetsetBkk]

"one charge of aggravated possession of child pornography"

Aggravated possession? Can't think what that could mean unless he snatched some dirty pictures from a fellow paedo.

I was thinking the same thing. So I looked it up :

ag·gra·vat·ed

adjective Law . characterized by some feature defined by law that enhances the crime, as the intention of the criminal or the special vulnerability of the victim: aggravated assault; aggravated rape.

"Some 'feature' defind by law " And what feature would that be ??

Did that clear it up for anybody ? LOL

Well, I suppose it could mean that he was dealing in the stuff - buying and selling, and not just possessing it.

It's a not a clear term, but then it has to cover all sorts of situations that make the crime worse.

[Wallaby]

If proved (not found) guilty publicly flog and hang him. Being a pollie he will have a good chance of avoiding most of it. Same as here and any other country

Pollies here don't usually get treated any differently in the courts here. We have many ex politicians in jail. The Public looks down on politicians that do the wrong thing and are only too happy to put one in jail. I would put good money on him pleading guilty to get a lesser sentence but he will still go to jail.