MAN JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES
Preston Ruse, aged 65, shared sickening child sex abuse images with an undercover police officer, believing he was communicating with another deviant.Ruse was active on a website known to attract paedophiles, and he used the alias 'Sadistic Surgeon', posting messages such as "Any pervs interested in strong stuff contact my inbox." He was arrested on June 8, 2023.
When questioned, he claimed he did not think he would do it again but later admitted being addicted to porn, though he denied possessing child abuse images.
An investigation uncovered that Ruse had sent and received child sex abuse images through encrypted messaging systems.
He pleaded guilty to multiple charges including possession of indecent images in categories A, B, and C, possession of a pseudo-image, extreme pornography, and distribution of indecent images.
Some images depicted torture and abuse of babies.
During sentencing, Judge Michael Maher emphasized that these are real children and condemned Ruse's actions, stating, "Distribution provides oxygen to this foul trade.
These are children over six decades your junior.
They are real, flesh and blood children, not some X-rated creation for your sexual gratification and that of your online cronies." Ruse has a prior police caution for possessing an indecent image.
The court noted he completed a course with the Lucy Faithful Foundation following his arrest, but Judge Maher considered it inadequate given his previous caution.
Consequently, Ruse was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment, and an indefinite sex harm prevention order (SHPO) along with notification requirements were imposed.
