The Wellington District Court has sentenced former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming to nine months' home detention after he admitted possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality images stored on work devices. The 52-year-old pleaded guilty to three charges; the judge reduced an initial three-year imprisonment starting point for his guilty plea, remorse and rehabilitation efforts. The judge assessed McSkimming as a low risk and ruled he need not register as a child sex offender. McSkimming was suspended on full pay in December 2024 and resigned in May.
Ex-Deputy New Zealand Police Commissioner Sentenced To Home Detention Over Child Exploitation And Bestiality Material
This frame grab taken from AFPTV footage on August 4, 2025 shows New Zealand's former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming (front) leaving court after he was charged with possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material in Wellington. McSkimming lost the right to anonymity on August 4 after he was charged with eight counts of possessing objectionable material, following his arrest in June. (Ben STRANG)(Ben STRANG/AFPTV/AFP)
A Wellington District Court on Wednesday sentenced Jevon McSkimming, the former deputy commissioner of New Zealand Police, to nine months of home detention after he admitted possessing images depicting child sexual exploitation and bestiality.
McSkimming, 52, was arrested in June and initially faced eight counts of possessing objectionable material. In November he pleaded guilty to three charges, including admitting that the offending images were stored on devices he used for work.
Court Ruling And Sentencing
Judge Tim Black said his starting point for sentencing was three years' imprisonment but reduced that term to nine months' home detention after allowing discounts for McSkimming's guilty plea, expressions of remorse and efforts at rehabilitation. The judge also concluded McSkimming represented a low risk to the community and ordered that he not be required to register as a child sex offender.
One of the original charges alleged the offending took place between July 2020 and December 2024.
Employment And Reaction
McSkimming was suspended on full pay in December 2024 while an internal inquiry was opened. He remained on leave for six months before resigning in May. His lawyer, Letizea Ord, told the court her client was deeply ashamed of his conduct.
New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers described the case as "disgraceful" and said the outcome demonstrated accountability at every rank.
The case has drawn attention because of McSkimming's former senior role within the police and because it raises questions about workplace-device security and oversight at senior levels of law enforcement.
