Sex doll imported

The first New Zealander accused of importing a child sex doll has admitted the charge. Stephen Heppleston, 58, of Timaru, pleaded guilty to importing a prohibited item and possessing an objectionable publication involving the sexual exploitation of children when he appeared before Judge Joanna Maze in the Timaru District Court yesterday. Heppleston was remanded on bail until May 2 for sentencing, when his risk to children will be assessed and his eligibility for the child sex offender register will be decided. In May 2018, Customs officers in Auckland examined a consignment sent from China and found it contained a life-like sex doll that resembled a young child, the court heard. Customs said at the time the dolls are considered obscene or indecent articles under the Customs and Excise Act 1996, making them prohibited from importation.