A diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or obsessive personality traits does not establish a causal link to child pornography offending where the offender consciously chose to download, retain and view the material for sexual gratification. The existence of a mental impairment does not render general deterrence irrelevant; its effect is 'sensibly moderated' depending on whether the offender knew what they were doing and appreciated the gravity of their actions. The sentencing range for possession of child pornography in Western Australia remains 8 months to 2 years' immediate imprisonment.
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