An accused childlike sex-doll importer cited his dyslexia and forgetfulness after he thought he ordered a "flat-chested" adult doll following days on the internet searching for the cheapest product, a court has heard.
Jeffrey Scott Deacon, 28, fronted the ACT Supreme Court on Monday after pleading not guilty to one count of importing prohibited goods without approval.
The court heard that the Australian Border Force intercepted a parcel in September 2020 indicating the suspected prohibited goods from a sex doll-selling company in China.
An investigation involving a "deconstruction of the box" - which included taking photos, measurements and notes - also found other items inside, including wigs, underwear and a device to heat up the doll.
The package was addressed to Mr Deacon at his Kambah house.
The accused's house and his workplace were then searched where his mobile phone and other digital records were seized.
The court heard the silicone doll cost about $430, was "quite heavy" and stood about 100cm.
The confirmation of the order, describing the product as "young sex doll - bunny", was sent to Mr Deacon's email address containing his name.
In his opening statement, prosecutor Ken Archer said evidence showing Mr Deacon searching for dolls in the days leading up to the order, as well as his interactions with the company confirming the order, suggested the accused "was intending to obtain a young doll".
Mr Archer said the image of the doll on the order confirmation document sent to Mr Deacon and his searches "suggested he was in the marketplace not for a doll with mature features but clearly to the contrary".
"What he was ordering was obviously a doll that represented somebody who is young and we invite you [jurors] to find that the doll resembled or depicted someone under the age of 18 years old," he said.
Mr Archer said the doll - whether engaged in a sexual activity or not - would cause offence to a reasonable adult.
The prosecutor said Mr Deacon acknowledged he ordered a sex doll but thought it was an adult one.
"He indicated he didn't know what he was expecting when he placed the order and it was just something to have fun with," Mr Archer said.
"He did expect a flat-chested doll ... but when he ordered he didn't read the measurements.
"He said he was dyslexic and forgot things easily. He admitted that he was looking at sex dolls online in the leadup to the purchase and had looked around to see which of the dolls was cheapest."
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An Australian Border Force senior investigator involved in the case gave evidence in court about the interception, search warrants and examinations of the package and its content.
The video of that examination and parts of the police interview with Mr Deacon were played to the jury.
Defence lawyer Sam McLaughlin did not make an opening statement and has not yet cross examined the senior investigator.
The court heard the legal parties agreed that "a sex doll" was imported.
The jurors will examine the doll during the proceedings.
The trial before Justice David Mossop, listed for two days, continues.
