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R v Williams [2019] NZDC 12114

Published 20 July 2021

Sentencing — distribution of objectionable materials — possession of objectionable material — child pornography — videos — photographs — category A, B and C material — breach of protection order — psychologist report — Sentencing Act 2002, s 38. The defendant appeared for sentencing on seven charges of distribution of objectionable materials and 10 of possession of objectionable material. His partner had handed his cellphone to the police, who searched it and found up to 8000 objectionable images and 1000 objectionable videos of child exploitation material. There was also evidence that the defendant had traded images with others. The material fell into class A, B and C of the classification categories. The Court had previously given a sentence indication that showed a final sentence of four years six months' imprisonment. The Court reduced this sentence by a month for the defendant's remorse and limited insight into his offending. The Court added a cumulative sentence of three months' imprisonment for breach of a protection order, for a total sentence of four years eight months. An order was made suppressing the geographical location of the offending and any identifying details of the defendant's former wife and children, and any details that may link them to the offending and to the defendant. Judgment Date: 24 June 2019.