David Bruce Painter: Analysis to determine if Howatharra man possesses thousands of images exploiting children

A Howatharra man accused of possessing child exploitation material has been granted bail while his device is analysed, with the prosecution claiming it could contain up to 9000 images. David Bruce Painter, 58, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday to apply for bail after he was remanded in custody on January 6 on three counts of possessing child exploitation material, producing child exploitation material, possessing cannabis and possessing drug paraphernalia. He has not entered pleas. Police prosecutor Sgt Ross Gray told the court police found images relating to child exploitation on Mr Painter’s phone and there was an “indication” of videos, but police could not elaborate further until a “proper analysis” was completed. Magistrate Kelly Thompson queried what exactly was on the phone and how many images, but Sgt Gray could not give a definitive answer while the analysis was ongoing. He told her there was potentially up to 9000 images in Mr Painter’s possession, but he could not take it further than that. The court was told the accused holds a Working with Children Check. Ms Thompson granted bail to Mr Painter with strict conditions to surrender passport, remain in WA and not to approach any departure point. He also cannot have unsupervised contact with children under 16, cannot work in any child-related roles and cannot access the internet unless it is for banking purposes or to seek legal advice. Bail was set with a $10,000 personal undertaking and a $2000 surety, and he must reside at an address in Manjimup and report to the police station three times a week.