A judge has dismissed as "rubbish" a Coniston pensioner's claims that he accessed hard-core child pornography for creative research purposes only.
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On Monday Wollongong District Court heard stomach-turning details of images found on the laptop of amateur script-writer David William Seddon, who served 8.5 months behind bars before being released on strict bail in April - still awaiting sentence - due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He was reported to police in April last year, after he visited a Coniston hotel and told a member of the public he was having trouble finding someone his own age to have sex with.
"So that's why I like to have sex with younger boys," he said, then when seeing the person's apparent shock, added "consensual of course, all consensual."
He later wove an incredible story for police, claiming he was a champion for young children who had made charitable donations from the proceeds of his writing and filmmaking.
Police found no evidence of any donations, but a search of his home uncovered extreme examples of child abuse material, internet search histories referencing the dark web and fake documents including a high-quality Philippine passport bearing Seddon's photo but fictitious personal details.
He pleaded guilty to child porn, child abuse material and false documents charges, but always maintained the offending material was for research purposes
On Monday Judge Christopher O'Brien dismissed those claims as "absolute rubbish".
"It's indicative of deviant sexual behaviour," he said.
The judge noted Seddon was "severely lacking insight" into his offending.
"I couldn't see any [in the psychologist's report]," the judge said.
"I regard [the report author] highly and she's a most insightful author. And even [she] was unable to provide the court with any clear explanation for this offender's offending behaviour."
He added that the report was "guarded ... in its assessment of future risk".
Seddon's lawyer argued his lack of insight was part of a cognitive disorder that would benefit from therapy in the community. She argued against further jail time.
"It's a rude shock - a 67,68-year-old man going to jail," she said. "That has had a salutory effect on this offender."
The Crown did not oppose Seddon's release under strict supervision.
The court heard Seddon had travelled to the Philippines or Thailand at least once a year between 2005-2019.
Outside the court, he told the Mercury those trips were "to visit friends".
The 69-year-old, who has a thin frame and a distinctive hunched back, received a discounted sentence for his guilty pleas.
The Mercury understands he will be added to the child sex offenders registry, with terms that will prevent him from travelling overseas without special permission.
He was sentenced to a total term of 18 months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of six months already served. He is required to be of good behaviour for three years and to accept supervision from Community Corrections. He was also fined $1000.