A man from western Sydney is currently facing trial, defending himself against accusations of possessing a child-like sex doll.

Michael Brereton, 56, from Quakers Hill, has pleaded not guilty to one charge of possessing a doll resembling a person under 18 years of age.

Brereton admits to storing the doll at a warehouse in Kings Park, but strongly denies that it looks like a child.

Legal Proceedings and Evidence

The case is being heard in Penrith District Court, where the Crown has presented evidence suggesting the doll, which stands at 142–143 cm (4’8″) and has a slim build with narrow hips, may resemble a child.

Prosecutor David Jordan highlighted the doll’s physical features, including visible breasts, a vaginal cavity, and vulva, which are typically associated with sex toys.

Additionally, when police discovered the doll, it was dressed in a sleeveless dress with a hair clip featuring Anna from the Disney film Frozen, which Jordan argued was the type of accessory a child would wear.

On Wednesday, the doll was presented to the court naked with a wig and its features displayed for the jury to examine.

Senior Constable Hayley Birch carefully handled the doll in court to ensure the jurors could see its characteristics.

Brereton’s Defense

Brereton’s lawyer, Zaid Khan, acknowledged that a reasonable person might assume the doll could be used as a sex toy, but firmly argued that there was no evidence Brereton had used it in that manner.

Khan urged the jury to refrain from making assumptions about his client’s actions, emphasizing that they were not there to judge Brereton’s morality.

He also reminded the jury that sex dolls, in general, are legal, but child-like sex dolls are not.

Forensic Evidence and Search

The prosecution further presented forensic evidence, including swabs from the doll’s genital area, which showed no bodily fluids or DNA linking Brereton to the doll.

The doll was discovered during a search of Brereton’s warehouse on June 7, 2023.

The search was unrelated to any child exploitation investigation, and Senior Constable Rafael Mateo testified that the doll had been found in a hidden area, accessible only by moving shelving units.

The doll was dressed in new-looking clothing, further supporting the idea that it had been recently stored.

Key Considerations in the Case

Prosecutor Jordan has focused on the doll’s physical characteristics, particularly its height, build, and the child-like features, such as the Frozen hair clip.

While the defense argues that there’s no proof of misuse, the case hinges on whether the jury believes the doll meets the legal definition of a child-like object intended for sexual purposes.

The trial, overseen by Judge Craig Everson, continues, with the jury left to weigh the evidence and determine Brereton’s guilt.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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