Shea O’Hara: Irish national faces Perth court from prison , charged with child abuse material offences

A Perth-based Irish national who was arrested and charged with possessing and sharing child abuse material late last month has flagged he intends to apply for bail.

Shea Patrick O’Hara faced Perth Magistrates Court on a video-link from Hakea Prison on Wednesday morning.

He was charged by the WA Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team — which comprises Australian Federal Police and WA Police officers — on August 28 with two online offences.

The 25-year-old’s charges stem from a search of his Thornlie home last month.

It will be alleged the AFP received a tip-off about an online user uploading child abuse material from US Homeland Security Investigation, sparking an investigation into Mr O’Hara.

Police allege officers uncovered online activity, including online chats talking about “incest” and “loving littlies”.

During a raid on Mr O’Hara’s home, police allegedly found child abuse material on a mobile phone.

The device was seized, alongside what is alleged to be drug paraphernalia, and will be subject to further forensic examination.

AFP Det Sgt Karen Addiscott said the investigation highlighted how closely police around the world worked together to combat the exploitation and abuse of children.

“Anyone who views this material is committing a crime and encouraging and enabling the abuse of children in the production of other abusive material,’’ she said.

“Our message to online offenders has not changed — if you possess and transmit child abuse material you will be found, arrested and prosecuted.

“This is not a victimless crime. Children are not commodities to be used for the abhorrent gratification of sexual predators.”

Mr O’Hara did not speak other than to confirm his name at his brief hearing on Wednesday.

His matter was adjourned for two weeks until September 20, when it is expected he will apply for bail.

He is facing two online offences of possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service and transmitting child abuse material.