A 28-year-old Thai man has been convicted and sentenced to 12 months gaol for attempting to export child pornography.

Mr Pakorn Tavorn was stopped for questioning when he attempted to depart Perth on a flight to Singapore on 28 March 2009.

During an outward baggage examination, officers located two external hard drives in the man's backpack. On further examination, child pornography video clips were detected on one of the hard drives. 

Customs and Border Protection investigators conducted a forensic examination of both hard drives and numerous videos and images of child and abhorrent pornography were detected.

Mr Tavorn was subsequently arrested and charged by Customs and Border Protection investigators with one count of attempting to export child pornography.

On Friday 21 August, Mr Tavorn pleaded guilty to attempting to export a prohibited export and was sentenced in the Perth District Court to 12 months imprisonment. 

Customs and Border Protection National Manager Investigations, Richard Janeczko, said Australia treats such offences very seriously.

"The trade in material that sexually exploits children or depicts child abuse is a breach of Customs regulations - the children are the real victims here," he said.

"Customs and Border Protection will seize such material, investigate and prosecute where appropriate.

"As shown in this case, those found guilty face very serious penalties, including gaol time," Mr Janeczko said.

The maximum penalty for exporting child pornography is $275,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment.

Media enquiries:

For further details contact Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793