“You have today pleaded guilty to a nine count indictment. That indictment charges you with one count of trafficking, seven counts of supply, and one count of possessing property obtained from trafficking. The Crown argues that there needs to be a deterrent sentence. Coming to appropriate sentence is a difficult matter. In the circumstances, the sentence which I will impose for the most serious of that offending, which is the trafficking offence, is, in fact, a sentence of three and a-half years. However, I will suspend that forthwith. You are not required to serve any actual custody.”

“I have been helpfully referred to three Court of Appeal cases in Queensland, that have demonstrated, in various circumstances, the sorts of penalties which might be imposed for possessing child exploitation material. I consider, particularly in the light of your early plea of guilty and your ongoing treatment, that you should serve no actual term in custody.”

“You have got a very impressive history presented today so far as rehabilitation is concerned. You have a bundle of urinalysis certificates, which very few defendants manage to bring along to Court, despite their obvious relevance. You also present a bundle of references which I think are at least equal to the most impressive I have ever seen in this Court.”

“Balancing the aggravating features and the mitigating features, it is clear and indeed conceded by Mr George who appears on your behalf, that a sentence of imprisonment is inevitable. What is in issue here is whether at this stage you need to spend any actual time in custody. In respect of the charge of serious assault with a circumstance of aggravation you are convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for six months. The sentence is to be suspended forthwith.”

“You have pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to access child pornography material, distributing child exploitation material, and possessing child exploitation material. What is emphasised on your behalf is your early plea of guilty, the extent of admissions made, your good work history, your young age and your bona fide attempts at rehabilitation. I have concluded that in all the circumstances, the appropriate sentence is one that does not see you imprisoned immediately.”

“You are to be sentenced for one count of using a carriage service to access child pornography material. The offence is very serious. I am of the view that a sentence of imprisonment is the only appropriate sentence. Balancing all relevant considerations, I have been persuaded that the mitigating factors are such that a sentence of imprisonment should be imposed, but that it can be served in the community. I intend to sentence you to 18 months’ imprisonment but order that you be released on a recognizance forthwith.”

“You have pleaded guilty to possessing child exploitation material. The material that you had was vile. Even with the heavy mitigation here, the seriousness of this offending, in my view, would require actual imprisonment, but for the evidence of isolation. If there had been a real risk to sexual contact with children, then you would not be leaving this Courtroom other than in a prison van. What I am proposing today is a sentence of 15 months imprisonment suspended for a long time, for four years, and the maximum period of probation, three years, with a treatment condition.”