A South Maclean man allegedly found with child abuse material on his phone has appeared in court following a tip-off from the United States.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) say the 43-year-old, Daniel Harris, was arrested on 26 August after seizing a phone during a search warrant of his home at South Maclean.
“Police allege the phone contained child abuse material, and was used by the man to comment on abuse material using a messaging app,” an AFP statement read.
“The man was subsequently arrested and conveyed to the Queensland Police Service’s Richlands Watchhouse before being released on strict bail conditions.”
The AFP said they launched an investigation based on a referral from the United States’ National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
Mr Harris man appeared before the Richlands Magistrates Court on 1 October for one charge of using a carriage service to possess child abuse material.
This offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, according to the AFP.
News Corp reported Mr Harris was granted bail on the day of his arrest under “strict conditions”, such as he is prohibited from contacting any child under the age of 16 and any under 18 when he is in a position of power.
The report said he was still allowed to use a phone but could not switch to private browsing or delete his internet history.
The matter was adjourned to 3 December.
Leading senior constable Jason Comer said the AFP, together with its state and international law enforcement partners, were committed to disrupting and preventing child exploitation.
“Children depicted in this abhorrent material are victims of crime, and anyone who accesses, downloads or transmits this content is also committing an extremely serious offence,” LSC Comer said.
“We remain committed to working with law enforcement, government and online safety partners to identify, disrupt and prosecute offenders.”
