Warning: This article contains details that may disturb some people.
An Upper Hutt man has been sentenced to three years imprisonment after being found guilty of possessing objectionable videos depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of children - including babies and toddlers.
Shay Joseph Middleton, 32, is charged with the possession of child sexual abuse material and was sentenced in the Wellington District Court on Wednesday. He is required to forfeit all devices and will be registered as a child sex offender.
"Any sexual offending against children is disturbing but, by sharing videos and photos of the offending, the victim is re-victimized every time this material is shared online" Tim Houston, the manager of the Department of Internal Affairs' Digital Child Exploitation Team, said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Offenders need to know that they will be found and held accountable for their offending, which is not only an offence against children, but an offence against our values as a society."
It is Middleton's second conviction for possession of child sexual abuse imagery. He was previously found guilty in 2013 and was sentenced to one year of intensive supervision community work.
Material of this nature can be reported to the Digital Child Exploitation team.
For a list of organisations, resources, helplines and counselling services aimed at preventing harm to children in New Zealand, click here.
The helpline Safe to Talk can be contacted on 0800 044 334, or text 4334.
If you are concerned about someone's sexual behaviour, the Department of Internal Affairs advises contacting organisations such as:
- Safe Network - 09 377 9898
- WellStop - 04 566 4745
- STOP - 03 353 0257
- Or local treatment providers or specialist therapists.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
