“Police have asked prosecutors to decide whether child pornography charges should be laid against celebrated photographer Bill Henson and a leading Sydney gallery that wanted to show his work.
“One week after more than 20 Henson photographs were seized from the Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery in Paddington, police yesterday forwarded their brief of evidence against the artist to the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions.
“The photographs feature a naked 13-year-old girl, who has reportedly refused to be interviewed by police. The girl’s mother has defended Henson, saying both parents were strong supporters of his work.
“Sydney lawyer Mark O’Brien, who is representing Henson and the gallery, would not comment.
“Although experts have cast doubt on whether a prosecution would be successful, police said in a statement they had gathered a range of information and “a number of statements”.
“Police flagged charges against Henson and the gallery under the Crimes Act that include displaying an indecent image and creating or possessing child pornography…”
Police put Bill Henson child pornography charges to DPP, The Australian, May 31.
