Former Townsville Grammar teacher Samuel John Blanch charged with distributing and making child exploitation material

Police have arrested and charged a former music teacher at an elite Townsville private school for allegedly making and distributing ‘fantasy-audio’ child exploitation material. Read how the school has responded.

A TOWNSVILLE music teacher who worked at an elite school has been charged with child abuse offences.

Samuel John Blanch, 56, has been charged with two counts each of distributing and making child exploitation material.

The former music teacher at Townsville Grammar School had his matter mentioned at Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday where it was adjourned until September.

Police will allege in December 2020, Blanch produced and distributed fantasy-based audio recordings of child exploitation material.

Townsville Child Protection and Investigation Unit officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles said the man was arrested on July 7.

“Queensland police were alerted to the activities by another Australian law enforcement agency,” Detective Miles said.

Blanch was formerly employed as the director of music at Townsville Grammar School where he worked since 2007.

Principal Timothy Kelly issued a statement to the Townsville Bulletin on Thursday afternoon confirming Blanch was not employed at the school anymore.

“We are aware of Samuel Blanch’s appearance in court today and confirm that he is no longer employed by the school,” Mr Kelly said.

“The court appearance relates to an external event that did not involve any staff members, students, or incidents within, or in relation to, Townsville Grammar School.

“We are communicating with our community and providing our full resources for those who may need support during this time.

“All further communications will be issued from the Principal’s Office.”

Blanch did not appear at his court date on Thursday where his defence lawyer Tracey Brown sought a brief of evidence.

His case will proceed via registry committal on September 14.

Originally published as Former Townsville Grammar teacher Samuel John Blanch charged with distributing and making child exploitation material