An Invercargill labourer found with about 540 images of bestiality has been granted final name suppression to protect his family.
The 37-year-old man appeared in the Invercargill District Court yesterday, where he was sentenced by Judge Bernadette Farnan to 18 months’ intensive supervision after pleading guilty to four charges of possessing an objectionable publication with knowledge.
His sentencing conditions included to attend any psychological treatment suggested by the Department of Corrections, destruction of all devices where the images were found and not to have any device with access to the internet.
Judge Farnan also granted final name suppression to the man to protect his wife and three children due to the extreme hardship the ‘‘particular nature of the charges’’ could cause them.
Judge Farnan said the publication of his name would mean his family ‘‘would be punished as well’’.
About 10 of the man’s family and friends were present in the public gallery to support him.
The summary of facts states in December 2018, New Zealand Police received information from Canadian police in relation to child exploitation material which had been uploaded to a mobile messaging app.
The app provided the IP address of a Galaxy notebook, which was later tracked to the man.
The man was at home in March last year when a search was conducted at the address. At the time he denied uploading or having any content which could be classified as objectionable material.
Police seized several devices at the property and one of the man’s devices contained a password-protected folder with 533 images depicting bestiality involving dogs, horses and snakes.
There were also videos and images depicting sadism, defecation and rape.
One of the videos suggested a woman featured in them was underage, but there was no evidence to support this.
Defence counsel Bill Dawkins said his client acknowledged his responsibilites and was highly remorseful of his actions.
Since the police investigation began and devices were seized, the man had engaged in counselling and taken all appropriate steps towards rehabilitation, Mr Dawkins said.
Judge Farnan acknowledged the man’s efforts. A report about his progress would be provided to the court next year.
