Justen Shawn Orford granted bail on child exploitation charges

A Townsville Catholic school principal charged over allegedly making child exploitation material has been released from custody just days after police found a girls’ school uniform next to his bed.

A TOWNSVILLE Catholic school principal charged over allegedly making child exploitation material has been released from custody, just days after police found a girls’ school uniform next to his bed.

Justen Shawn Orford, 47, appeared via video link from the Townsville Watchouse on charges of making child exploitation material, possess tainted property, possess child exploitation material and use carriage service to access child abuse material.

Police will allege Orford took photographs of young girls last December.

At the time of the alleged offences, he was the principal of St Joseph’s Catholic School Mundingburra.

Justen Shawn Orford, 47, walks from the Townsville Watchhouse with defence lawyer Anderson Telford on July 30. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Investigations into his alleged offences began in May, with Orford suspended from his duties in June.

Prosecutor Jordan Theed said the alleged offences were “serious”.

“The prosecution notes the applicant was in a position of trust and authority when the offences allegedly occurred,” Mr Theed said.

Mr Theed said Orford was said to have made admissions of his alleged offending during interviews in May.

Justen Orford was granted bail in Townsville Magistrates Court on child exploitation material charges. Picture: Alix Sweeney

During a search at Orford’s home, Mr Theed said a girls’ school uniform was found near his bed, but it is not alleged that Orford was involved with a child.

Orford’s devices were seized Thursday for a forensic investigation.

Mr Theed submitted to restrict Orford’s access to the internet through a phone which could not connect to networks, if bail was granted.

Defence barrister Claire Grant objected the submission, saying Orford had a sick mother he needed to contact over the phone.

Ms Grant said her client was not a flight risk, and was a single man who lived alone.

Orford has no criminal history and has remained in the region since investigations into the alleged offences began in May.

Justen Shawn Orford, 47, walks from the Townsville Watchhouse with defence lawyer Anderson Telford on July 30. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Bail was granted on the condition that Orford was unable to access the internet.

Orford will next appear in court on September 23.

Originally published as Justen Shawn Orford granted bail on child exploitation charges