A German backpacker who allegedly entered Australia carrying hundreds of child pornography images on his computer hard drive has been refused bail.
Steffen Wieczorek, 22, of Wolfenbuttel, Germany, was arrested at Melbourne Airport on January 13 after customs officials found images on his hard drive of children as
young as three engaged in sex acts.
Today in Melbourne Magistrates' Court, magistrate Brian Barrow said Wieczorek had no criminal history here or overseas and there were no allegations he was part of an international child pornography ring.
But Mr Barrow said the German was unable to provide a permanent address while in the country or proof he had the financial means to support himself.
"There's no evidence to suggest material was brought into this country for the purposes of dissemination or for personal gain," Mr Barrow said.
"Had the defendant been able to provide today a permanent address and satisfied me he had the financial means to sustain himself, I would have granted bail."
Prosecutor Kelly James argued against bail, saying Wieczorek was a flight risk and could disappear into the community.
Ms James said customs officials were unable to determine Wieczorek's financial situation and his only connection to Australia, a fellow German backpacker, did not appear able to provide him accommodation if released.
Wieczorek's lawyer David Langton said his client was unlikely to flee given it was his first time overseas and he did not know his way around.
Wieczorek arrived in Australia on a three month visitor's visa and planned to stay 15 days.
The court heard last week that customs officers found 2000 pornographic images and videos on Wieczorek's portable hard drive, including 700 files of child pornography and 300 of bestiality.
He was searched after arriving on a China Eastern Airlines flight from Germany, via Shanghai, and is charged with one count of importing child pornography.
Wieczorek, assisted by a German interpreter, was remanded to reappear at the same court for a committal hearing on March 13.
- AAP
