Sentencing for possession and distribution of child pornography arising from multi-year dark web activity involving online trading, chats, and a collection of hundreds of images and videos.
The offender was a youthful first offender who pleaded guilty early, engaged in counselling, expressed remorse, and filed mental health evidence suggesting a relatively low risk of reoffending.
The court held that denunciation and general deterrence remained the primary sentencing objectives for child pornography offences and, applying contemporary appellate guidance, concluded that a custodial sentence was required.
A fit sentence was 20 months' imprisonment, followed by two years' probation with counselling and child-contact restrictions.
