Former educator pleads guilty to 307 offences against children

A former early childhood educator has pleaded guilty to 307 charges relating to offences he committed against children in his care at multiple early learning centres in Australia and overseas. 

Readers should be aware, prior to engaging with this piece further, that it outlines serious offending against children, and may cause distress. A list of support services is provided at the conclusion of the story. 

The man was initially given a handful of child abuse-related charges when first arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) in August 2022. Throughout the course of the investigation thousands of additional charges were laid, with more child abuse material being found on devices belonging to the man. 

He answered “guilty” to each of the 307 charges as they were individually read into the record, including 190 counts of indecent treatment of children, 67 counts of making child exploitation material, 28 counts of rape, 15 counts of maintaining an unlawful relationship with a child, 4 counts of producing child exploitation material, one count of distributing child exploitation material, one count of possessing child exploitation material and one count of using a carriage service to access child pornography material.

Some of the indecent treatment charges date back to 2003, while others cover dates between 2008 and 2009. When asked if he had anything to say in response to the charges put to him, the former educator shook his head before sitting down. 

A sentencing date is being organised in November with the Director of Public Prosecutions to take charge of the matter. Crown prosecutor Stephanie Gallagher said the court would need to accommodate a large number of victims, who may give impact statements to the court, also asking for pre-sentence and psychiatric reports for the man to be prepared.

If you need further advice or support after reading this piece, please consider some of the following resources: 

• National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 73

• Lifeline on 13 11 14

• 24-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588

• Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937

• National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212

• Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122

• Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1

• Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800

• Men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, should contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or the Don’t Become That Man helpline on 1300 243 413