Child-porn addict found with help of US Customs

A Christchurch microbiologist has been fined after he was caught in a United States pornography sting.

In the Christchurch District Court yesterday Michael Stanley Harris, 45, admitted importing prohibited goods and was fined $750.

Prosecutor Pip Currie said that starting in 2003, US Customs began an extensive operation aimed at child pornography, particularly sourced over the internet. Undercover operatives were used to target child pornography originating from internet servers in Europe.

Customers, who included Harris, would send credit card details to a US business, and when the transaction was verified they would be given a password, allowing access to child pornography sites.

Ms Currie said customers were tracked to many countries, and details of New Zealand customers were passed on to New Zealand Customs.

It was found Harris had accessed the US website and paid using his credit card.

Police found his computer had material showing girls aged about 10 to 12 in naked poses.

When interviewed, Harris admitted downloading the pictures, and said he had had an addiction to such pornography for two to three years.

He admitted accessing other pornography sites, saying all the material was for his own use.

Lawyer Gerard Lynch submitted the type of material was at the lower end of the scale and a fine was appropriate.

A psychiatric report said Harris had taken steps to address the issues, and was relieved to be getting the treatment needed for his addiction.

- NZPA