Families SA supervisor misread signs of toddler’s sex abuse by Shannon McCoole

A FAMILIES SA supervisor misunderstood repeated and concerning sexualised behaviour from a toddler as trauma from physical attacks rather than signs of sexual abuse, a commission has heard.

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• Inquiry to examine Families SA paedophile Shannon McCoole’s case
• Shannon McCoole sentenced to 35 years in jail

A FAMILIES SA supervisor misunderstood repeated and concerning sexualised behaviour from a toddler as trauma from previous physical attacks rather than signs of sexual abuse, a commission has heard.

The toddler, aged about 18 months, had suffered about 40 marks on her body during “severe” attacks by her mother and her partner, before the insidious Shannon McCoole preyed on her while in state care.

The girl’s sad history, and the state’s failure to protect her, was revealed on Monday during a Royal Commission into the state’s child protection system which was infiltrated by paedophile McCoole between 2011 and 2014.

Families SA social worker Marc Beltman said he had thought the girl’s sexualised behaviour — which included references to “Shannon”, becoming distressed when she was undressed, and other unusual acts — were related to her physical abuse.

The girl’s foster mother last week testified to the commission that she told Mr Beltman the toddler would reference “Shannon” during sexualised behaviour but he “brushed off” her concerns.

She said she had reported to him repeated incidents of sexualised behaviour — including the toddler saying “do pat pat Shannon” during nappy changes and referencing him when experiencing night tremors up to ten times a night.

Families SA supervisor Marc Beltman, who gave evidence today at the royal commission on Monday.

However, Mr Beltman told the commission he had been told the girl had referenced Shannon but said he could not recall being told the sexual nature of how she made the comments.

He said the concerning behaviour he had been presented with could have been explained by the girl’s previous physical abuse from her mother and her partner.

“It never came to my mind that it was sexual abuse,” Mr Beltman said.

“There is so much (sic) different behaviours that a child displays when a child is abused.”

Mr Beltman said the signs the girl displayed could be consistent with physical abuse rather than an indicator of sexual assaults.

“Children who are physically abused can be hurt on any part of their body so it can include that part (genitalia) as well,” he said.

Mr Beltman said he had phoned the care house after being informed about the girl’s references to Shannon, and was told there were two workers for that name who had cared for her but he was not alarmed.

Families SA paedophile Shannon McCoole.

“I think that because there was a placement after she was abused by her mum and her partner,” he said.

“Children who are then cared for by a trusted and stable carers — they are often bonded with that person.”

Counsel assisting, Emily Telfer, asked that if he was “paying more attention to the reports coming into you, do you think you may have put the connection together?”

Mr Beltman replied: “I don’t know”.

He told the commission he had been “emotionally struggling” with the gravity of McCoole’s crimes since they were brought to light.

McCoole was sentenced to 35 years jail for abusing seven young children in state care while the CEO of an international child pornography ring.

The commission, before former Supreme Court Justice Margaret Nyland, continues.