Child exploitation bust sees Nanaimo man jailed

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Mooney was arrested as he left his home, while police moved inside, where they eventually processed nearly 170 illegal images on a cell phone and computer in the offender’s bedroom.

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The bust included girls as young as four-years-old being graphically abused by men, Crown Counsel’s Leanne Mascolo told court.

Numerous unidentified female victims between about 4 and 13-years-old were cited in court, along with unidentified male offenders.

After pleading guilty this past spring to a singular possessing child sex abuse/exploitation material charge, a pre-sentence report was ordered, while Mooney also underwent a privately arranged forensic evaluation.

“Mr. Mooney told the doctor that he wants to avoid re-offending and to figure out why he committed the offences he’s being sentenced for this morning,” Mascolo said regarding Dr. Anton Schweighofer’s evaluation, who’s a renowned clinical and forensic psychologist.

Court heard Mooney’s offending was influenced by numerous vulnerabilities, and he is making strides to address them.

Similar offending typically results in jail ranges of between four and 22 months, court was told.

Mascolo noted strong post-offence rehabilitative progress by Mooney resulted in a sentencing recommendation at the low end of the range.

She added Mooney had no breaches to his release conditions.

Michael Shapray, Mooney’s lawyer, told court his client has undergone regular one-on-one counselling sessions and demonstrates insight into his offending, remorse, and recognizes the importance of treatment.

Mooney was described as a fantasy-driven user of the abhorrent material, as opposed to contemplating hands-on offending.

“He denies ever having a sexual interest in children, but that over time increasingly became desensitized to adult pornography in his viewing,” Shapray said in reference to Dr. Schweighofer’s report.

The defence attorney said Mooney benefits from supportive parents and his fiancé.

Mooney is on leave from his current job and intends to return to work upon his release from jail, Shapray said.

He was diagnosed with ADHD at 12-years-old, has had suicidal ideations, and doesn’t have any substance misuse issues, court heard.

Provincial court judge Colleen Spier’s sentence will see Mooney appear on the police-accessible National Sex Offender Registry for 10 years upon his release from jail.

The offender’s probation includes employment, internet and movement restrictions.

He declined to address the court.

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