Nelson man sentenced to two years imprisonment for possessing child sexual exploitation material
9 April 2025
A 56-year-old man has been sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment at the Nelson District Court, following an investigation by the Department of Internal Affair’s Digital Child Exploitation team.
Ian Durbin pled guilty to six charges of possession of objectionable material, including images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
The 56-year-old was found after uploading 21 child sexual exploitation and abuse images to a visual search engine, in an effort to seek out similar illegal material.
A search warrant executed at the offenders address on 23 April 2023 led to the seizure of several electronic devices. Following forensic examination, Durbin was found to be in possession of 2,077 objectionable image and video files. Investigators also found evidence that he had been consistently searching for child sexual exploitation material over a period of at least 10 years.
Analysis of the files showed that Durbin had a dedicated interest in one particular victim, with over 793 files from when she was aged approximately 4 years old, through to approximately 12 years old.
“This material represents the worst moments in a child’s life, captured and shared by offenders. We are committed to ensuring justice is served to those who fuel the demand for this horrific material,” says Tim Houston, Manager Digital Child Exploitation Team.
As part of Durbin’s sentence, Judge Reilly ordered Durbin to be registered as a child sex offender.
In 2023, the Digital Child Exploitation team conducted 47 investigations into child exploitation, identifying nearly three million pieces of illegal material held by New Zealanders. Additionally, the Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System blocked over one million attempts to access websites hosting child sexual abuse material.
ENDS
Notes for media
Support and Resources
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to engage with their children about safe online practices. Advice and support for parents and caregivers on protecting their children online is available at KeepItRealOnline.govt.nz.
If you have concerns about potential online harm or wish to report a crime, contact the Digital Child Exploitation Team at DIA. For situations where abuse is occurring or a child is in immediate danger, contact the Police at 111.
- Victims of child or sexual abuse crimes can access help and support services by contacting: https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/child-abuse-directory-information-and-support
- Safe to Talk: 0800 044 334 Text 4334
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s sexual behaviour, please reach out for support:
- Safe Network: 09 377 9898
- WellStop: 04 566 4745
- STOP: 03 353 0257
- Stand Strong, Walk Tall
DIA uses the term child sexual abuse imagery. The term child pornography downplays the harm of child sexual abuse.
For more information on the role of the Digital Child Exploitation Team, what is online child sexual exploitation and how to report it visit https://www.dia.govt.nz/Preventing-Online-Child-Sexual-Exploitation
Media Contact:
Media Desk - Department of Internal Affairs, Te Tari Taiwhenua
Mobile: +64 27 535 8639
Email: media@dia.govt.nz
