South Perth man Tim Mace charged with child abuse possession after tip-off by US authorities

A 37-year-old South Perth man has been charged after police found child abuse material on two mobile phones allegedly belonging to him. Tim Mace was charged after the Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The US organisation reported an online user in Australia was uploading child abuse material to the Google Drive platform. Inquiries by the ACCCE and the WA Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team allegedly linked the 37-year-old man to the account. A search warrant was executed at the man’s home on October 26 where investigators seized the two mobile phones containing child abuse material and two firearms. The man has been charged with possessing child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years jail. The seized electronic devices will be subject to forensic examination and further charges have not been ruled out. Mr Mace’s case was adjourned for legal advice in the Commonwealth Magistrates Court on November 19. No pleas were entered over the child abuse material charge and gun charges. He is due to appear in the same court on January 14. AFP Detective Sergeant Ross Hinscliff said viewing, downloading or sharing child abuse material was not a victimless crime. “This material depicts the horrific abuse of children, our most vulnerable members of society. Consuming this material endorses this harm and the AFP is committed to identifying and prosecuting anyone involved in this vile industry – including the producers, sellers and consumers,” he said. Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online. If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available. Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protection children online can be found at ThinkUKnow, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.