Child porn jail sentence welcomed

A group working to stamp out sexual violence against children is welcoming a nine month jail sentence handed down to a Wellington man.

Forty-year-old Gary Shaw was convicted of charges relating to the distribution and possession of around 300 objectionable electronic pictures and movies of children.

Internal Affairs believes the case is important as the accused tried to escape prosecution by using technical arguments concerning file-sharing software.

Shaw has been denied home detention as his offending had been covert and difficult to detect.

Stop Demand Foundation spokeswoman Denise Ritchie said it was good to see courts keeping up with issues concerning technology.

She said the case sets a precedent for others by giving direction for future cases involving computer-related offending.

- NEWSTALK ZB