A SOUTHERN Tasmanian man convicted of multiple child sexual offences has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to perform community service. Michael Robert Underwood, 27, was caught trawling internet chat rooms and having sexually explicit conversations with under age girls. Underwood was first sprung by West Australian police, while engaging in graphic conversations with a 13-year-old girl named Amy. He organised to meet the young girl while visiting the state. Amy was in fact an undercover police officer, and Underwood was arrested at the scene. Tasmania Police then launched an investigation of its own, finding child exploitation and images in Underwood's possession. Underwood served nine months in a West Australian prison for his crimes. Justice David Porter took this time served into consideration while sentencing Underwood this morning. Justice Porter said that while child exploitation was evil, this case was highly unusual. He said if Underwood's crimes were all committed in the same place at the same time, he would have received a severe penalty. But Justice Porter said in the circumstances, a 12-month jail sentence, suspended on condition of good behaviour, was appropriate. Underwood was also ordered to perform 140 hours of community service, and has been placed on the sex offenders register.
