A Perth man who planned to abduct and abuse a child, having scoped out schools and childcare centres and researched restraint methods, has been jailed for seven years.
Police found evidence of extensive preparation “consistent with planned child abduction and abuse” at his Baldivis home, the roof of which had been modified to create a restricted access attic space.
Along with the structural modifications to his residence, police say the man had made “detailed written diagrams outlining an intended abduction process”, which indicated he was “actively planning to commit physical harm”.
He had researched schools, kindergartens and early-learning centres and undertaken extensive online research about how to approach, isolate and restrain a child, investigators said.
Police began investigating the 37-year-old in mid-2024 when Australian Border Force officers intercepted the attempted importation of a prohibited child-like sex doll, which led to police raiding his home and uncovering evidence of his “extensive” preparation to harm children.
Guilty plea
Analysis of seized electronic devices revealed large volumes of child exploitation material, some involving very young children.
Police were able to intervene before any child was physically harmed.
The offender was charged and later pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including attempting to possess child-like sex dolls, using a carriage service to prepare or plan to engage in sexual activity with a child under 16, and possessing child exploitation material.
Police issued a freezing notice on the man’s home, vehicle and bank accounts.
If the assets are deemed to be used to facilitate the offending, police say they will seek their forfeiture.
The man was sentenced to seven years and five months in jail following the joint investigation by the ABF and WA Police.
“Protecting children is a core priority for the WA Police Force, and we will continue to identify and stop anyone who poses a serious risk to their safety,” Detective Acting Superintendent David Palmer of the Sex Crime Division said.
