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Sydney Childcare Worker Pleads Guilty to 11 Child Abuse Charges

AFP tracing from the dark web led to his arrest, prompting calls for stronger childcare safeguards.

Overview

  • He entered the pleas via audio‑visual link in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court as prosecutors withdrew 20 of the original 31 counts.
  • He is due to appear in the NSW District Court on January 30, 2026 for sentencing to be set.
  • The offences occurred between 2021 and 2024 at six out‑of‑school‑hours centres in Sydney and included producing and possessing child abuse material as well as sexual acts filmed for that material.
  • Investigators traced material found on the dark web to him in June 2024 and notified about 1,200 parents connected to the affected centres.
  • He had worked casually across dozens of centres and previously served as a NSW Police probationary constable, with police stating they were unaware of his concurrent childcare employment as leaders press for tougher checks and a national register.