HBT093397-01.jpg The new Hastings Court House building in Eastbourne street, Hastings, progress picture 09/09/2009 Photographer: Glenn Taylor NEWS
HBT093397-01.jpg The new Hastings Court House building in Eastbourne street, Hastings, progress picture 09/09/2009 Photographer: Glenn Taylor NEWS
A Hawke's Bay man has admitted to possessing and distributing child pornography.
Beaudene Justin Bliss, 37, appeared in the Hastings District Court this morning where he pleaded guilty to possessing approximately 17,000 objectionable publications, among other sex-related charges.
He was charged with a representative charge of possessing objectionable publications, fivecharges of distributing such publications, making an intimate visual recording and indecently assaulting a female under 12.
He also faced two charges each of possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a needle or syringe for cannabis.
Guilty pleas were entered to all charges through his defence lawyer Paul Chambers this morning.
Judge Geoff Rea convicted Bliss and remanded him in custody to appear again on February 28 for sentencing.
The maximum penalty for possessing an objectionable publication is 10 years' imprisonment or a $50,000 fine and for distributing the maximum penalty is 14 years' imprisonment.
