AI CHILD ABUSE: WANNEROO MAN JAILED

(Content warning: child sexual exploitation)

A Wanneroo man who used artificial intelligence to manipulate real children's images into exploitation material has been jailed for 4 years and 6 months.

Matthew John Woodward, 41, must serve 2 years and 6 months before parole eligibility. He was also fined $2,500.

OFFENCES

According to ABC's court report published on 2 October 2026, he admitted 26 offences, including indecent recording and producing and possessing child exploitation material, plus 5 offences involving indecent or obscene articles.

2 CO ACCUSED

A police search uncovered exploitation material. The court heard he exchanged sexual material through encrypted apps with co accused Matthew and Luke Parcej and an undercover officer.

Matthew Parcej was previously sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment, while Luke Parcej is still awaiting sentencing.

DEFENCE CITES LACK OF AWARENESS DUE TO AUTISM

Defence lawyer Margot Perling referred to an autism diagnosis and claimed Woodward had not recognised his conduct was wrong.

Judge Belinda Lonsdale acknowledged his clean record and motivation not to reoffend, but rejected AI generation as mitigation where real children were depicted.

EMPLOYED IN IT SUPPORTING PUBLIC HOSPITAL STAFF

Woodward worked for a company providing technology support to Fiona Stanley Hospital employees. The report establishes no misuse of hospital systems or patient information.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner warns that children recognisable in AI generated exploitation material can experience trauma and repeated victimisation comparable to children whose real images have been circulated.

The available reporting does not establish how many children were identified in this case, whether their families were notified or what removal action followed.