Canberra man who posed as teenage girl to obtain child abuse material jailed - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Federal police found the 22-year-old had obtained and distributed about 50 child abuse material files over two years. (ABC News: ABC News: Adriane Reardon)

A 22-year-old man has been sentenced for posing as a teenage girl to obtain and distribute child abuse material.

Lachlan Prescot Hewatt pleaded guilty to offences committed between 2022 and 2024.

He was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment, but the court ordered he be released after three months on condition of good behaviour and compliance with Community Corrections Service supervision.

A Canberra man will spend at least three months behind bars for posing as a teenage girl online to obtain and send child abuse material.

Australian Border Force officers found suspected child abuse material on Lachlan Prescott Hewatt's phone after he got off an international flight at Sydney Airport in April last year.

An Australian Federal Police investigation found the 22-year-old had posed online as a teenage girl and received and sent about 50 child abuse material files between 2022 and 2024.

He was arrested at Sydney Airport last year and pleaded guilty to charges for possessing, transmitting and causing the transmission of child abuse material.

Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the case showed the deceptive methods which could be used to exploit children. (ABC News)

Hewatt was sentenced in the New South Wales District Court today to one year and eight months imprisonment.

The judge ordered he serve three months in custody before entering into a recognisance order, which would see him released on condition of good behaviour and compliance with Community Corrections Service supervision.

AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said police remained committed to protecting children from online exploitation.

"This offender posed as a teenage girl online to obtain and distribute child abuse material, demonstrating the deceptive methods some offenders use to target and exploit others," Detective Superintendent Needham said.

"Child abuse material is not a victim-less crime.

"Every image and video depicts the abuse and exploitation of a child, and every time that material is viewed, shared or distributed, further harm is caused.

"The message to offenders is clear: if you engage in the possession, distribution or importation of child abuse material, you will be identified, investigated and brought before the courts."