A Sydney man is expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (25 May, 2025) charged with allegedly possessing child abuse material and committing obscene exposure in a public place.
AFP officers at Sydney Airport received a report from airport staff yesterday (24 May, 2025) of a man, 48, allegedly committing an indecent act in a public area of the Sydney International Airport.
It is alleged several members of the public who witnessed the incident approached the man. It is alleged the man then fled the area, where he had already checked in to depart on an international flight, and attempted to pass through screening to re-enter the check-in area of the airport.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers stopped the man at the screening checkpoint and contacted AFP.
AFP officers arrested the man for the alleged indecent exposure incident. Further investigation found the man in possession of several electronic devices, including a mobile phone, two laptops and a hard drive.
Initial examination of the man's mobile phone allegedly identified child abuse material stored on it. Further forensic examination will be undertaken of the other electronic devices.
The man was charged with the following offences:
- One count of committing a sexual act without consent, contrary to section 61KE (a) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is 18 months' imprisonment.
- One count of wilful and obscene exposure in or near public place, contrary to section 5 of the Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of $1,100 and/or six months' imprisonment.
- One count of possessing or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years' imprisonment.
- One count of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Trevor Robinson said the AFP takes a zero-tolerance approach toward anti-social or criminal behaviour.
"Travellers have the right to feel safe within our airports and the AFP is here to protect the travelling public from criminal acts," Det a/Insp Robinson said.
"Passengers who break the law will be dealt with appropriately, and the AFP will not hesitate to bring people before the courts if they commit criminal offences."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
