Former childcare worker jailed for sexually touching children at New England centre

Content warning: This article contains references to child sexual abuse offences and may be distressing for some readers.

A former childcare worker from the New England region has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of multiple offences involving young children in his care at a local early childhood service.

The 53-year-old man, Douglas Clibborn, appeared in Armidale Local Court, where he was sentenced to an aggregate three-year prison term with a non-parole period of two years.

The offences involved seven children, all under the age of 10, and occurred while he was employed at a childcare centre in the region.

According to reporting by STA FM and the Northern Daily Leader, Clibborn was convicted on eight counts of sexually touching a child under 10. The court imposed 12-month prison sentences for each offence before determining an aggregate sentence.

He will be eligible for parole in 2028 and will remain on the NSW Child Protection Register for 15 years.

During the sentencing hearing, the court received victim impact statements from parents whose children were affected by the offending.

According to court reporting, parents described significant changes in their children's behaviour and wellbeing following the offences, including emotional distress and withdrawal.

The Northern Daily Leader reported that some families told the court their children now viewed the world differently as a result of their experiences.

In sentencing the offender, Judge Michael Holmes emphasised the need to hold him accountable for his actions and recognise the harm caused to victims.

The offender's employment was terminated after concerns were raised, prompting an investigation by officers from the New England Police District.

He was subsequently charged with eight offences relating to sexually touching children under the age of 10.

The case has attracted significant attention across the region and serves as another reminder of the profound impact child abuse can have on children, families and communities.

While the overwhelming majority of educators demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and care, the case highlights the importance of maintaining strong child-safe practices across all education and care settings.

For approved providers, safeguarding children requires ongoing attention to workforce screening, professional conduct, reporting pathways, supervision arrangements and organisational culture.

The National Quality Framework places child safety at the centre of service operations, with approved providers required to take all reasonable steps to protect children from harm and hazard.

Sector leaders continue to emphasise that effective child safety systems rely not only on compliance processes, but also on environments where concerns can be identified, raised and acted upon quickly.

Support and resources

Readers seeking support or information can access the following services:

• 1800RESPECT
  National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
  1800 737 732
  www.1800respect.org.au

• Lifeline
  24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services
  13 11 14
  www.lifeline.org.au

• Bravehearts
  Specialist child protection and child sexual abuse support services
  1800 272 831
  www.bravehearts.org.au

• Blue Knot Foundation
  Support for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse
  1300 657 380
  www.blueknot.org.au

• National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service
  1800 211 028

Sourced  from the Northern Daily Leader.