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A United States government agency tip-off led to a 64-year-old central North Island sickness beneficiary being jailed for possessing images of children being sexually abused.
Bruce Alexander Suttie, of Manunui, 6km east of Taumarunui, pleaded guilty in the district court there yesterday to 20 representative charges of possessing an objectionable publication.
He was sentenced to eight months in prison but was given leave to apply for home detention.
Internal Affairs deputy secretary Keith Manch said US government authorities told the department's censorship compliance unit in late 2005 that Suttie had subscribed in March 2004 to a website which distributes images of children being sexually abused.
The department searched his home in May 2005 and found 802 sexually explicit pictures of girls aged between three months and 12 years.
"This case shows how the department works with international law enforcement agencies to fight this objectionable trade which is fed by adults sexually abusing children," Mr Manch said.
"We are committed to international efforts to help prevent child abuse and our inspectors are very active in tracking down collectors."
- NZPA
