Johannesburg - A self-confessed paedophile and father-of-two has thrown himself on the mercy of the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, begging for a non-custodial sentence.
The 40-year-old software developer was arrested last year as part of the Cloud 9 Operation that saw international and local police bust a child pornography ring with members in countries across the world.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that the man, who cannot be identified to protect the identities of his two young children, had pleaded guilty to charges of possession and distribution of child pornography.
In a lengthy statement submitted by his advocate, Morkel du Preez, the 40-year-old explained that he acknowledged he had a serious psychological problem and was already seeking help from his pastor, a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
Du Preez insisted that he and his client were not trying to diminish the severity of his crimes, but that the client’s life had already taken a swift downturn since the arrest.
His wife is in the process of divorcing him, he has not seen his children in months and he has also lost his job since police discovered the child pornography on his computer.
Du Preez explained that his client had admitted to his crimes, had taken responsibility for his actions and assisted police in their investigation into the child pornography ring after his arrest, all signs of his great remorse.
The advocate argued that the man would not be a suitable candidate for a prison sentence as he had already been traumatised by the two days in custody following his initial arrest.
He cited studies that suggested local prisons were overcrowded and that the Department of Correctional Services was failing in its mission to prevent criminals from reoffending.
Du Preez insisted his client was not a danger to the public and could be rehabilitated through diversion programmes or other alternative sentences outside prison.
He also argued that the man’s family would suffer if he went to prison, as he would not be able to pay alimony or child support.
A Teddy Bear Clinic forensic report was presented to the court, stating that while the man’s 14-year-old son had been exposed to pornography, there was little evidence that the children had been abused by their father.
Sentencing is due on friday.
The Star