A former IT officer at North Sydney Girls High School, Michael Thomas Mowbray, has been sentenced for possessing child abuse material. The court revealed that Mowbray accessed and uploaded images and videos depicting young girls, indicating a deliberate search for such content on the dark web.
During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that Mowbray had folders named with suggestive titles, emphasizing the nature of the material he possessed. The magistrate emphasized the severity of possessing child pornography, noting the callous and predatory nature of the crime and its contribution to the exploitation and abuse of children.
As a result of his actions, Mowbray has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, with a non-parole period of nine months. The court also ordered the destruction of the devices containing the illegal material. Despite his defense lawyer indicating a possible appeal, the bail application was rejected, and the case is set to be heard in the District Court in April.
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in such criminal activities, particularly when it involves vulnerable children. The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding children and holding individuals accountable for their actions in contributing to the perpetuation of child exploitation.