Photo: RNZ
A Nelson man has plead guilty to 50 charges relating to the creation, distribution and possession of objectionable material involving beastiality and the sexual exploitation of children.
Storm Constable-Carter, 22, appeared in the Nelson District Court today following the investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs' Digital Child Exploitation Team.
He was charged with 25 counts of possessing objectionable material, 21 counts of distributing objectionable material, and 4 counts of creating objectionable material.
Digital Child Exploitation team manager Tim Houston said the investigation was launched after a video depicting bestiality and an infant was found in a cloud storage location.
The file was later found in two separate internet accounts operated by Constable-Carter.
"Child sexual exploitation material depicts a crime scene and the worst moments in a child's life. Every time an offender shares or accesses an image or video of child abuse, they are continuing the abuse of that child and exacerbating the threat of child sexual exploitation."
The maximum penalty for anybody who knowingly makes or trades, distributes, or displays an objectionable publication via the internet is 14 years imprisonment. The act of knowingly being in possession of objectionable publications attracts a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
In 2024, the Digital Child Exploitation team conducted 69 investigations into child exploitation and helped to safeguard 14 New Zealand children from harm.
Constable-Carter will reappear in the Nelson District Court for sentencing in December.
Victims of child or sexual abuse crimes can access help and support services by contacting:
- Safe to Talk: 0800 044 334 Text 4334
If you are concerned about your own or someone else's sexual behaviour, please reach out for support:
- Safe Network: 09 377 9898
- WellStop: 04 566 4745
- STOP: 03 353 0257
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