A repeat child exploitation offender has been sentenced to prison after the Townsville District Court heard he escalated his offending from possessing illegal material to distributing it online while already serving a suspended sentence for similar crimes.
Dale Thomas Robertson, 37, pleaded guilty to multiple offences relating to the possession and distribution of child exploitation material, as well as failing to comply with legal reporting requirements imposed after earlier convictions. The court was told Robertson's offending demonstrated a serious escalation in criminal behaviour and occurred despite previous opportunities for rehabilitation.
The court heard Robertson was first sentenced in November 2020 after police discovered 170 images and six videos of child abuse material in his possession. He received a wholly suspended three-year prison sentence. However, after reoffending shortly afterwards, an additional year was added to the suspended sentence, yet he continued committing further offences.
His most recent offences came to light during a police compliance inspection in April 2025. During the visit, Robertson falsely told officers he owned only an Xbox and did not have a vehicle. Police subsequently discovered an undeclared mobile phone, smartwatch, SD card, email account, phone number and Telegram account that had not been reported as required under his offender obligations.
A forensic examination of the mobile phone uncovered 54 images and 68 videos of child exploitation material. Investigators also found evidence that Robertson had distributed 35 images and videos through online platforms, significantly increasing the seriousness of his offending compared with his previous conviction.
Crown prosecutor Terrance McCosker described Robertson as a repeat offender whose criminal conduct had intensified over time. He argued the offending contributed to the continued exploitation and abuse of children by creating demand for illegal material and facilitating its circulation.
Defence barrister Patrick Newman submitted that Robertson had cooperated with investigators, admitted his offending and required specialised rehabilitation to address his addiction to child exploitation material. The court also heard Robertson's father remained willing to support him following his release from custody.
In sentencing, Judge Christopher Kahler strongly condemned Robertson's actions, stating that every person who views or distributes child exploitation material perpetuates the abuse suffered by children depicted in the images and videos. The judge rejected suggestions that the offences were victimless, emphasising the ongoing harm caused by the continued circulation of such material.
Robertson was sentenced to three years' imprisonment. Having already spent 422 days in custody, he was declared immediately eligible for parole under Queensland law.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of Queensland Police and Australian law enforcement agencies to detect online child exploitation offences and prosecute repeat offenders who continue to engage in illegal online activity despite previous convictions. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information relating to child exploitation to report it through the appropriate law enforcement channels.
