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Educator faces court following abuse footage found on phone
Freya Lucas
Oct 17, 2024
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An early childhood educator has faced Sydney’s Downing Centre Court earlier this week in relation to charges of abuse material involving children.
Before continuing to engage with this piece, readers of The Sector should be aware that it discusses the abuse of children, a topic which may prove distressing. A list of support services has been provided at the conclusion of this story.The male educator, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleged, had filmed himself abusing young boys whilst in the classroom of the long day care setting in which he worked. The educator, who is in his 20s, had been working at the service in Sydney’s North at the time the alleged offences took place.
Initially the AFP charged the man for refusing to grant police access to his phone, with further charges arising after access to the phone was obtained, including six counts of aggravated use of a child to make abuse material, two counts of sexually touching a child under 10 and two counts of using a child to make abuse material.
Due to the graphic nature of the charges, and the court order suppressing further information being shared, limited information about the content of the material, however the Sydney Morning Herald noted that amongst the claims are allegations that the man filmed young boys as they used the bathroom at the service, and that he engaged in inappropriate touch to his own body whilst in the presence of the children.
Children impacted by the alleged crimes were aged between three and six years of age, with allegations spanning a time period from 2021 through to July 2024, weeks before the AFP laid its first charge.
Following the hearing the man did not apply for bail, and remains in custody.
In bringing the case to court the prosecutor warned that there were victims still to be identified, and that the publication of the male educator's identity, or details about the service in which he worked “would cause hysteria” amongst parents.
As such, the magistrate continued a suppression on the man’s name and any information that could identify potential child victims.
Readers should be aware that the investigation remains in its infancy, and that further charges could follow as a deeper examination of evidence takes place.
Second case in a number of days
Shortly before the incident outlined above was made public a second Sydney based male educator was arrested in relation to an unrelated case on the Northern Beaches which also involved a child in his care when he was working in a long day care setting.
The Warwick Farm man at the centre of the second incident was arrested at a warehouse in western Sydney last week in relation to allegations made against him in his capacity as an educator working with a three year old child in his care.
He was also charged with common assault in relation to the incident, which police began investigating in September, when another staff member reported him to police after witnessing an allegedly concerning interaction between the educator and a child, after which the man was stood down.
The approved provider at the centre of the incident issued a media statement which The Sydney Morning Herald reports reads, in part:
“(Provider name) confirms that it was informed on Friday of a serious charge brought against a former casual educator ... this charge is responding to a report made by (Provider Name) as part of the mandatory reporting process.”
The spokesperson went on to confirm that all appropriate steps were taken as soon as the allegation was raised and the case was now in the hands of the NSW Police.
“The organisation is fully committed to working closely with all authorities, families and team as they work through this,” the provider said.
The educator at the centre of the second incident applied for bail in Penrith Local Court on Friday, which was refused by magistrate Stephen Corry, who said the educator had a history of being given “clear warnings” about his conduct towards children.
In turn, the man’s solicitor said the allegations raised against the educator were on the “lowest end of this type of serious conduct” because the alleged touching was on the outside of the clothing.
Resources and support
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report.
If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.Readers who are affected by the content of this story and who need support are encouraged to connect with the most appropriate resource from the list below:
1800 RESPECT
Provides confidential sexual assault and family and domestic violence counselling via phone and webchat.
Phone: 1800 737 732. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service (Full Stop Australia)
Provides 24/7 telephone and face-to-face counselling for people impacted by institutional child sexual abuse. This means adults who were sexually assaulted as a child at an institution — like a school, church, club, or children’s home — or by someone who worked at one of those places — like a teacher, a religious figure, or a camp leader — for example. The counselling is offered to survivors, as well as other people impacted, like parents or professionals.
Phone: 1800 211 028. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service (Full Stop Australia)
Telephone and online support, as well as information and referrals, for anyone in Australia who is or has experienced domestic or family violence, or those who support them.
Phone: 1800 385 578.
Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline (Full Stop Australia)
Provides 24/7 telephone trauma counselling from counsellors who have completed specialist training to support anyone in Australia who is from the LGBTIQ+ community and has recently or in the past experienced domestic, family or sexual violence. The service also provides telephone support to family members, friends and supporters, or professionals who are impacted by violence targeted towards the LGBTIQ+ community.
Phone: 1800 497 212. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Blue Knot Foundation
Provides phone and email-based support for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, as well as for their supporters and the professionals who work with them.
Phone: 1300 657 380. Available 9 am to 5 pm AEST/AEDT, seven days a week.
Email: helpline@blueknot.org.au
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