Geraldton man accused of watching child abuse material from Philippines in Wonthella home faces 111 charges

A Wonthella man accused of paying to see children being sexually abused live on camera has been charged with an additional 41 offences. Phillip John Ryan, 70, was first arrested and charged with two counts of possessing child abuse material last September. Digital analysis of seized devices led to him being charged in April with 68 offences relating to the alleged ordering of child abuse material from the Philippines, which he allegedly watched from his Geraldton home. Mr Ryan was due to appear in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court yesterday, with the 70-year-old now facing 111 offences, but the matters were adjourned. The new charges include 10 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child outside Australia, eight counts of procuring a child outside Australia for sexual activity, and 22 counts of using a carriage service to engage in sexual activity with a child. Some of these offences carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. The WA Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team is liaising with Australian Federal Police in Manila and authorities in the Philippines to identify child victims and remove them from harm. Mr Ryan did not appear in court and the matter was adjourned to September 16.