Australian politician charged with child porn appears at state parliament

Australian politician charged with child porn appears at state parliament

2011-06-22 00:29:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

SYDNEY (BNO NEWS) -- A long-time Australian Member of Parliament in South Australia state who has been charged with possessing child pornography appeared in state parliament on Tuesday, a possible indication he intends to stay in office.

The 38-year-old politician was arrested by police in late April at his home address in the city of Adelaide, about 1,408 kilometers (875 miles) west of Sydney. He has since been charged with one count of possession of child pornography, one count of aggravated possession of child pornography, and two counts of taking steps to access child pornography.

The identity of the Labor MP is known to members of the news media, but Australian law prevents his name from being published until he is either convicted or gives consent for his name to be released. The politician was released shortly after being arrested but has not given consent for his name to be published.

The politician first appeared at state parliament on June 8 as parliamentary rules automatically dismiss an MP from office if he or she misses 12 consecutive sitting days without being granted leave. But despite not being required to attend until after the winter break, the MP briefly appeared at state parliament during question time on Tuesday.

The politician has so far not publicly commented on the charges, which led to his expulsion from the Labor Party, but he could face more than seven years in jail if he is found guilty. He is however allowed to retain his seat in state parliament as long as he has not been convicted.

After the MP's arrest in late April, South Australia Premier Mike Rann said he was unable to comment on the allegations. "Like others, I was shocked by reports I read in the newspaper this morning," Rann said in a brief statement at the time.

The Australian politician is expected to face the child pornography charges in court in August.

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