Stuart Parsonage charged with possessing child exploitation material & using police access for alleged crimes

A regional WA cop has been charged after he allegedly used his restricted computer access to download intimate images for his own disturbed sexual gratification while also obtaining other images from seized electronic devices. Senior Constable Stuart Parsonage, based in Geraldton, was charged via summons with an additional 13 offences — including possessing child exploitation material — following an ongoing investigation by the Sex Crime Division. The new charges include 10 counts of indecent acts in public, possessing child exploitation material, and a corruption offence. Police also charged him with an additional count of unlawful install optical surveillance device. Mr Parsonage, 46, was initially charged with three counts of unlawful use of a computer, two counts of unlawful install optical surveillance device and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition in February. WA Police commissioner Col Blanch, on Friday, said the senior constable had been stood down from duties and has had “all access to police facilities and systems removed” as he faces court over the allegations. He said the action was in line with ensuring the organisation maintained the “highest professional and ethical standards”. “The vast majority of our officers serve the community of Western Australia with integrity and professionalism. “If an individual officer (allegedly) breaches policy, we take decisive action to thoroughly investigate and prosecute accordingly. “The allegations against this officer are very serious. “The WA Police Force remains committed to accountability, transparency, and maintaining public confidence.” During his first court listing on the intital charges, Mr Parsonage did not appear in court but was represented by his lawyer George Giudice. Mr Giudice provided a medical certificate to the magistrate which explained his absence. Mr Parsonage remains on bail and his next appearance in the Geraldton Magistrates Court is April 2.