Mannum man arrested for alleged online child abuse
A 70-year-old man from Mannum will face court after allegedly accessing child abuse material on his mobile phone.
A 70-year-old Mannum man has been arrested after police allegedly found child abuse material located on his phone.
South Australian authorities identified the man while investigating a report from the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
A search was conducted on May 27, when police seized a mobile phone for forensic examination.
The man was charged on May 30 with one count of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service.
The maximum penalty for the offence is 15 years' imprisonment.
The man was due to appear at the Murray Bridge Magistrates Court on Monday.
Detective Sergeant Jarrod Cook said the Australian Federal Police and local and international law enforcement partners were committed to protecting children.
“Children should not be used as commodities for the gratification of offenders,” Detective Sergeant Cook said.
“We cannot send a clearer message to offenders: if you engage in these horrific activities, you will be found, charged and prosecuted.”
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
- Report abuse: Visit www.accce.gov.au/report or call the Child Abuse Report Line on 13 14 78. If you know abuse is happening right now, or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
- Prevent abuse: www.thinkuknow.org.au.
- Get help: Visit bravehearts.org.au; or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or, if you're under 26, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
