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For 15 years, a 45-year-old man from the Gold Coast has been working in childcare facilities including 10 childcare centres in Brisbane and one in Sydney. During those 15 years, 91 children were assaulted by him, including 87 children in Australia and 4 overseas.
The unspeakable acts he has been charged with include 1,623 child abuse offences including 136 charges of raping pre-pubescent girls and 110 counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10.
Over 1,600 child abuse offences
Police allege the childcare worker carried out the child abuse offences at the following:
- 10 childcare centres in Brisbane between 2007-13 and 2018-22
- 1 childcare centre in Sydney between 2014-2017
- Overseas between 2013-2014
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough said the man allegedly recorded the offending on his phone and on camera.
Bedsheets lead to charges
The man has been in custody since August 2022 when Australian Federal Police charged him with two counts of making child exploitation material. Police then uncovered nearly 4,000 child abuse images and videos stored on his phone.
Police were then able to track the objects identified in the background of the alleged images and videos posted on the dark web.
The Daily Telegraph reported that distinctive bedsheet designs on childcare centre beds were key to leading police to the man. The bed sheets were traced back to a specific manufacturer who supplied bedding to childcare centres in Queensland.
‘Most horrific child abuse cases that I‘ve seen’
“This is one of the most horrific child abuse cases that I‘ve seen in nearly 40 years of policing,” NSW Police Force Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said.
“We are absolutely committed to prosecuting anyone who comes after our most vulnerable.”
If convicted, the man faces life in prison. He will appear before a Brisbane court later this month.
Victims have been identified
87 young children have been impacted by these shockingly disgusting acts and have to live with what has happened to them. Police have stated that they have identified all 87 Australian children who were recorded in the alleged child abuse material and are working with police overseas to identify the four children overseas.
“The parents of all the Australian children recorded in the alleged child abuse material have been informed of the investigation. Some of the individuals identified in the alleged child abuse material are now aged over 18 years and have been informed,” Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough said.
How does this happen?
Assistant Commissioner Gough said the man had received “qualifications to work at the child care centres” in NSW and QLD. Leaders are now questioning how something like this could have gone on for so long and what needs to be done to ensure this never happens again.
NSW Education and Early Learning Minister Prue Car has now called for an “immediate meeting of federal and state ministers to demand progress” to strengthen protections.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan asked why the “vile” and “evil” alleged offences hadn’t been stopped.
How was this allowed to happen? There were some reports of this individual’s behaviour which police investigated. There has to be a proper inquiry about how information was shared and why this could not have been stopped earlier.
How can we make sure that this kind of thing doesn‘t happen again?”
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 report to ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on triple-0.
Helplines and specialist support services can help children who have experienced child sexual abuse or engaged in harmful sexual behaviour. These services can also help families. For immediate safety concerns or to report concerns, contact the police and child protection service in your state or territory. For a list of services, visit Raising Children.
