A Batemans Bay man has been released on strict conditional bail after making his first appearance in court accused of uploading child abuse material online.
44-year-old Jason Wilson was arrested after detectives executed a search warrant at his home in Catalina yesterday.
Police said they seized electronic devices during the raid that will now undergo forensic examination.
Wilson has been the subject of an investigation since April after detectives received accusations of him uploading child abuse material.
He’s been charged with possessing child abuse material, an unauthorised pistol and a prohibited drug.
During an appearance before the online Bail Division Court today police said they were alerted to the uploading of child abuse material on a Google platform by the AFP.
The court heard police allege they found 12 videos of pre-pubescent girls between 6 and 12 on his mobile phone after it was handed over during the search.
Wilson denied any knowledge of illegal content on his Motorola Edge mobile after handing over to police but when being interviewed later the told the court the accused said he was sent the videos by a friend through the encrypted Telegram app but didn’t delete them.
The prosecutor opposed bail citing concerns about community safety, possible failure to appear and that a prison sentence was likely, if convicted as the videos had been classified as Level 1 content, which is the worst classification.
Wilson’s lawyer Max Staples told the court his client worked as a housekeeper at Malua Bay and would abide by strict conditions imposed by the court if released on bail.
“A jail sentence is squarely on the cards, well particularly for the first offence but I accept it is not inevitable that you will serve time in custody.,” the judge told Wilson.
“There appears to be some strength to the prosecution case’” she said.
“Mr Wilson I’m sure sitting there now having been charged with these offences having to apply for bail, you have some appreciation things are very serious,” she said.
“I am satisfied that there are strict conditions that can be put in place that address the risk of you committing a serious offence and endangering the community,” she said.
Wilson must reside at his rented home in Catalina, not use or be in possession of more than one mobile phone service and SIM card, provide the password or pin-code of that telephone to the Officer in Charge of Batemans Bay Police Station within 12 hours of taking or resuming possession of such device.
“This phone must have not have access to the internet and is not to have the ability to receive photos or videos or watch them. Whats referred to as an old brick phone. You can still get them. That’s what you’re going to have to use,” the Judge told Wilson.
“You are not to have access to a laptop, desktop computer or any other device that you could watch videos on or view photos. That includes a smart TV okay?
“Yes, Your Honour,” he replied.
“You are not to be in the company of any children under 18 years old. You are not to go within 100 metres of any school, playground or daycare centre and you are not to work at any location where children live or visit.”
Wilson, dressed in a black hoodie during his court appearance, must also answer the door to police when conducting random checks at his home for compliance of his bail conditions.
He’s been ordered to appear in Batemans Bay Local Court on June 15.
“Make sure you are there on that date otherwise they will probably issue a warrant and arrest you,” the judge told Wilson.”
“Yes, Your Honour, ” he replied.
