Australian charged with sexually abusing 91 girls at childcare centres

Australian police say alleged crimes committed at 12 different childcare centres in Sydney, Brisbane and overseas.

A former childcare worker in Australia has been charged with sexually abusing 91 children in what has been described as one of the worst child sex abuse cases in the country’s history.

The 45-year-old man has been accused of 1,623 separate offences, including 136 counts of rape, 110 counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10, and 613 counts of producing child exploitation material, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The alleged crimes were carried out at 12 different childcare centres in Sydney, Brisbane, and overseas between 2007 and 2022, as stated by the police.

The man, who passed background checks required for his job, is alleged to have recorded himself abusing his victims, all of whom were pre-pubescent girls.

Police believe that all 87 Australian children recorded in the child exploitation videos have been identified, and they are collaborating with international partners to identify four children who were abused overseas.

Investigators have been searching for the man since discovering a collection of child exploitation images and videos circulating on the dark web in 2014.

The accused man, from the Gold Coast in Queensland, has been in custody since his arrest and charging with a number of child exploitation offences in August 2022.

The man, who has not been named, is scheduled to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 21.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – This case highlights the importance of strong institutions and law enforcement agencies in combating crimes against children. The Australian Federal Police’s dedication to identifying and stopping the alleged offender demonstrates their commitment to achieving justice and protecting vulnerable individuals.
2. Goal 5: Gender Equality – The victims in this case were all pre-pubescent girls, emphasizing the need for gender equality and the protection of girls’ rights. Efforts must be made to ensure the safety and well-being of all children, regardless of their gender.
3. Goal 4: Quality Education – Childcare centres play a crucial role in providing quality education and care for children. This case underscores the importance of ensuring safe environments in these facilities, where children can learn and grow without being subjected to abuse or exploitation.

Statements from Law Enforcement Officials

• “While I am extremely proud of law enforcement’s persistence and their unwavering dedication to identify this alleged offender, and stop further abuse, this is chilling news,” said AFP Northern Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough. This statement highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect children from heinous crimes and the emotional impact such cases have on those involved.
• “New South Wales state police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald described the case as ‘one of the most horrific cases of alleged child abuse our detectives have seen.’ Alongside our partner agencies, we are absolutely committed to prosecuting anyone who goes after our community’s most vulnerable,” Fitzgerald said. This statement emphasizes the determination of law enforcement agencies to hold perpetrators accountable and protect vulnerable members of society.