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Author Faces Child Abuse Charges Over Controversial Novel
An erotica writer has been charged with child abuse offenses regarding the content of an unpublished book. The author’s request to remain anonymous was denied by the court, despite her defense team’s assertion that she is simply a novelist expressing her creativity.
The individual in question, 33-year-old Lauren Tesolin-Mastrosa, resides in Sydney and serves as a marketing executive at a charity. She writes under the pseudonyms Lauren Ashley and Tori Woods and has pleaded not guilty to three counts: one for producing, one for possessing, and another for disseminating child abuse material.
During a hearing in Blacktown local court on Wednesday, Magistrate Rami Attia dismissed a request to extend a prior non-publication order that had protected Tesolin-Mastrosa’s identity and pseudonym.
Her attorney, Mickaela Mate, contended in an earlier court session that extending the order was necessary due to the considerable emotional distress and threats her client has endured, compounded by the serious nature of the charges against her.
Mate argued that the situation is distinct from other cases of child abuse, emphasizing that there is no actual victim involved. The novel in question, titled “Daddy’s Little Toy,” reportedly centers around an adult relationship between an 18-year-old and a friend of her father.
“This is a fictional work where the characters are consenting adults,” Mate explained. “The term ‘produce child abuse material’ typically suggests that a child is coerced into sexual acts, which is not applicable in this context.”
She further noted that Tesolin-Mastrosa’s association with such serious allegations has caused her significant undue distress and embarrassment, asserting that the author is simply exercising her right to creative expression.
The court learned that the book has not been released to the general public and was only shared with a select group of 20 advance readers prior to its publication.
According to Mate, law enforcement jumped to conclusions regarding the material without first reviewing the work, which she claimed contributed to the misunderstanding surrounding the case.
Furthermore, she highlighted the uniqueness of Tesolin-Mastrosa’s situation, stressing that while her client may appear typical—being a young woman working at a Christian charity—the allegations have drastically altered her public perception.
“She is now being labeled and viewed as a paedophile,” Mate lamented. “This has led to harassment online, with most of the critics not having read the book themselves.” She mentioned instances of Tesolin-Mastrosa being followed and photographed without consent.
Countering the defense’s narrative, Matthew Lewis SC represented News Corp and argued against the continuation of the non-publication order, suggesting that attempts to keep Tesolin-Mastrosa’s identity secret were futile. He noted that information about the case had already circulated widely.
“The details, including her name and pen name, have already spread throughout the international community,” Lewis stated during the proceedings.
As the legal proceedings continue, Tesolin-Mastrosa is currently on conditional bail and is scheduled to return to court on June 5.
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www.theguardian.com