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This is a case study that resulted in a Community Corrections Order for child porn offences instead of an immediate term of imprisonment.
Our client was charged with possession of child pornography and surveillance charges. It was discovered that he had allegedly arranged for the 16-year old daughter of his next door neighbour and close friend to do some modelling shots for him. He had told her that he was doing a photography course and wanted to take some pictures of her. He paid her $60 for her involvement. A time was arranged for when my client’s wife and children were away for the weekend.
Our client allegedly asked the girl to model in a bikini. He told her that she could change into the bikini in his daughters bedroom. The neighbour did not know that the client had set up a camera in the room which filmed her as she changed. Our client then allegedly took a series of photographs of her, some of which were sexually suggestive and concentrated on the genital area. When the police conducted a search of his house, they found around 6,500 images and 1,200 videos which were classified as child pornography. It was also later discovered that our client had allegedly put one of the pictures of the neighbour on a Russian child porn website, in exchange for him being sent images. Our client made full admissions to the police.
Our client allegedly asked the girl to model in a bikini. He told her that she could change into the bikini in his daughters bedroom. The neighbour did not know that the client had set up a camera in the room which filmed her as she changed. Our client then allegedly took a series of photographs of her, some of which were sexually suggestive and concentrated on the genital area. When the police conducted a search of his house, they found around 6,500 images and 1,200 videos which were classified as child pornography. It was also later discovered that our client had allegedly put one of the pictures of the neighbour on a Russian child porn website, in exchange for him being sent images. Our client made full admissions to the police.
Kristina Kothrakis represented the client at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. The charges involved were:
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Make child pornography
- Surveillance of another without consent
Our client was sentenced to a Community Corrections Order for a period of 3 years. Over this period, he was required to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work, be under supervision, be assessed and treated as directed for treatment and rehabilitation (in particular for alcohol and mental health issues), and to complete the Sex Offender Treatment Program. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of 15 years.
This was a good result as a Community Corrections Order for child porn offences is a rare outcome for this type of case. Our client was able to avoid a term of imprisonment. More importantly, he would have access to support for his personal, psychological issues.
This was a good result as a Community Corrections Order for child porn offences is a rare outcome for this type of case. Our client was able to avoid a term of imprisonment. More importantly, he would have access to support for his personal, psychological issues.
Kristina Kothrakis
Kristina has significant experience in criminal trials and also holds a degree in Science, majoring in Psychology, an invaluable area of knowledge, as many of her clients suffer from psychological disorders.Kristina strives to achieve the best possible result for all her clients. Skilled, decisive and assertive, Kristina demonstrates dedication, care and professionalism at all times.
View Kristina Kothrakis’ profile.
DISCLAIMER: This is a real case study of an actual case from our files. Details pertaining to the client have been changed to protect their privacy. The sentence imposed and the charge have not been altered. These case studies are published to demonstrate real outcomes and give an indication of possible tariffs in Court. We do not guarantee a similar case on these charges will get the same result. Please note that we post results at our discretion, therefore while many case studies are average results, others are notable for their exceptional outcomes. PUBLISHED 22/07/2016