A New South Wales (NSW) court has ruled that an erotic age-gap novel by Australian author Lauren Mastrosa constitutes child sex abuse material. The book explores a relationship between an 18-year-old character, Lucy, and her father's 45-year-old best friend, Arthur, detailing the man's desires that began when Lucy was a child and including scenes of her roleplaying as a toddler.
Mastrosa, who works for a Christian charity, faced charges after the book's release triggered significant public outrage. Although she argued that Lucy is depicted as an adult, Magistrate Bree Chisholm found that the narrative 'sexually objectifies children.'
Chisholm reviewed the entire book, which is published under the pen name Tori Woods, and stated that a reasonable reader would find it undeniably offensive. The novel's cover, adorned with children's alphabet block titles, coupled with the protagonist's use of child-like language and engagement in child-like behavior, led to further scrutiny.
Chisholm emphasized that descriptions of the character's actions occur during sexual activities, creating troubling visual implications of an adult male engaging with a young child. As a result, Mastrosa was found guilty of creating, possessing, and distributing child abuse material, and is set to face sentencing on April 28. Following her arrest, BaptistCare has announced that she has been suspended from her position pending an investigation.
Mastrosa, who works for a Christian charity, faced charges after the book's release triggered significant public outrage. Although she argued that Lucy is depicted as an adult, Magistrate Bree Chisholm found that the narrative 'sexually objectifies children.'
Chisholm reviewed the entire book, which is published under the pen name Tori Woods, and stated that a reasonable reader would find it undeniably offensive. The novel's cover, adorned with children's alphabet block titles, coupled with the protagonist's use of child-like language and engagement in child-like behavior, led to further scrutiny.
Chisholm emphasized that descriptions of the character's actions occur during sexual activities, creating troubling visual implications of an adult male engaging with a young child. As a result, Mastrosa was found guilty of creating, possessing, and distributing child abuse material, and is set to face sentencing on April 28. Following her arrest, BaptistCare has announced that she has been suspended from her position pending an investigation.
