A 38-year-old Preston man has been sentenced to imprisonment for child abuse material and bestiality offences after ABF officers discovered disturbing images on his mobile phone at the airport.
The man arrived into Melbourne International Airport from overseas on 01 July, 2023, and was selected by ABF officers for a baggage and digital device examination.
During a preliminary search of the man's phone, ABF officers located content within a messaging application deemed to be in contravention of Regulation 4A of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulation 1956 - objectionable material.
Further analysis by ABF officers led to the detection of 1232 files depicting child abuse material, and 2321 files depicting bestiality, hidden within a photo vault application.
The Victorian man was subsequently issued Part 1C Caution and Rights under the Crimes Act 1914, and his mobile phone was seized.
On 15 August, 2025, the man pled guilty to the following charges:
- Bestiality, contrary to section 54A of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic)
- Using a carriage service to cause offence, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth)
- Using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth)
- Possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessing a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth)
- Use of carriage service to cause child abuse material to be transmitted to self (16BA Schedule item 1)
- Unlawful importation, namely bestiality, contrary to s233(1)(b) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth) (16BA Schedule item 2)
The man was convicted and sentenced by the County Court of Victoria to imprisonment of 5 years and 6 months with a non-parole period of 3 years and 4 months.
ABF Superintendent Ben Michalke said this court outcome demonstrates the ABF's ability to protect the community from the threat of child abuse material, and bestiality.
"ABF officers are on constant watch at our border and are adept at intercepting and apprehending those responsible for the illegal importation of these items," Superintendent Michalke said.
"We will take the strongest possible action against all who are involved in the abuse of children as well as those who commit offences against animals."
Anyone with information about suspicious border activity or border-related crime should report it through Border Watch at borderwatch.gov.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
