Ex-St Peter’s Girls’ School employee Riley McGuinness faces court on child exploitation material offences

An elite private girl’s school’s former sports coach has appeared in court in person for the first time accused of horrific sexual offences against children.

An elite private school’s sports coach has appeared in court in person for the first time accused of creating, possessing and disseminating child abuse material.

Riley McGuinness remained silent in the dock in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday where prosecutors requested several months to gather evidence.

The St Peter’s Girls’ School track and field coach was arrested by the Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team, which is comprised of AFP and SA Police officers.

They charged Mr McGuinness, 18, of the western suburbs, with multiple counts of possessing, disseminating and producing child exploitation material.

It is alleged Mr McGuinness was arrested as a result of information received from the National Centre of Missing and Exploited Children.

Riley McGuinness seen leaving Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Picture: RoyVPhotography

On his LinkedIn profile, Mr McGuinness claims he has “worked in a number of environments, from small community groups to large private schools”.

He says he is qualified to “design and deliver programs fit for people” and to “maximise participation rates of Australian rules football in the community”.

Mr McGuinness says he studied at SEDA College, and that the Adelaide Football Club employed him as a community engagement officer from January 2022 to December 2023.

However, Adelaide Football Club spokesman refuted Mr McGuinness’ online claim.

“I can confirm the teenager has never been employed by the Adelaide Football Club,” he said.

Mr McGuinness took up the role at St Peter’s Girls, he says, in January this year.

In a statement at the time, JACET Detective Chief Inspector George Fenwick said investigations were continuing.

“Digital evidence specialists conducted a forensic analysis at the scene and investigators expect that further charges may be identified once all seized electronic devices have been examined,” he said.

“This investigation is a clear reminder of the realities of child sexual exploitation and the proliferation of child sexual abuse on the internet.

“I remind everyone that all child exploitation images and videos are evidence of a real child being hurt, physically and mentally.

“We are absolute resolute in our commitment to prosecute anyone who chooses to use the internet to harm our most vulnerable.”

Mr McGuinness’ LinkedIn page claims he worked at the Adelaide Football Club from 2022 to 2023, which has been refuted by the club. Picture: Supplied

Riley McGuinness is charged with multiple offences. Picture: RoyVPhotography

St Peter’s Girls’ School principal Cherylyn Skewes told The Advertiser the man had been fired following his arrest.

“St Peter’s Girls’ School was made aware on Friday 14 February that a recently-contracted casual employee had been charged by SA Police with possessing child exploitation material,” she said.

“The individual was employed from the beginning of this school year on a casual contract, which was immediately terminated when the school was informed of this matter by SA Police.”

Ms Skewes said student wellbeing was “always our highest priority”, and that all staff were screened pre-employment.

“On accordance with the school’s procedures, the individual provided a current Working With Children Check and underwent Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care training,” she said.

Mr McGuinness was granted bail in an out-of-hours bail review application in February.

On Wednesday, a prosecutor requested a five-month adjournment to analyse electronic evidence and to determine the charges against Mr McGuinness, who remained silent in the dock.

Magistrate Luke Davis told Mr Caldicott to explain to his client it is very important to comply with his bail conditions.

“He has no priors so he might not understand that significance,” he said.

Mr McGuinness, who made no comment outside court, will next appear in court in September.