Lucas John Gill, Mount Maria College sports teacher, charged with possessing child exploitation material

Police are appealing for victims to come forward after a teacher at an elite college in Brisbane’s north was charged with possessing child exploitation material and been granted bail under strict conditions.

Lucas John Gill, 41, a sports teacher at Mount Maria College in Brisbane's north, has been charged with possessing child exploitation material.

A high school teacher from Mount Maria College in Mitchelton has been charged with possessing child exploitation material.

Sports teacher Lucas John Gill, 41, faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning and was granted bail on six charges.

Detectives from Brisbane Inner West Child Protection Unit and Taskforce Argos arrested him yesterday.

“A search warrant was executed at an address in Chermside after police received advice the 41-year-old man, a high school teacher and sports coach, had been accessing CEM via a publicly available website overseas which provides end-to-end encrypted cloud storage,” police said in a statement.

Lucas John Gill leaving Brisbane Watchhouse after being granted bail for charges relating to possession of child exploitation material. Pics: Tara Croser.

“During the search police seized a number of electronic items, including a laptop and phone alleged to contain further CEM.

“Investigations are underway to determine the identity of the females depicted in the CEM and whether they may be linked to the man.

“Detectives are appealing for any victims who may have had contact with the man, believed to be mostly from the North Brisbane and Ipswich areas, to come forward.”

“The Chermside man has been charged with three counts each of possessing child exploitation material and use carriage service to access child abuse material.”

Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Mark Gorton opposed Gill’s bail application.

Lawyer Corey Cullen appeared for Gill who he said would be willing to abide by any conditions the court deemed appropriate.

Magistrate Robert Walker granted Gill bail on conditions including that he report to police once a week, reside at his Chermside address and have no contact with children under 16.

Gill will also be barred from accessing the internet unless he is using it for banking, education and employment purposes.

His case was adjourned to August 16.

Mt Maria College principal Luke Reed wrote to families this morning about the charges and said the school would contact them if they had any concerns around their children.

The school’s principal Luke Reed wrote to families this morning about the charges and said the school would contact them if they had any concerns around their children.

“This staff member has been suspended from duties,” he said.

“This is now a matter for Queensland police and part of an ongoing investigation.

“I understand that this news is distressing for both parents and students and I encourage you to talk to your child’s pastoral house co-ordinator or to myself if you or your child are upset or concerned about this news.

“We will arrange for access to a guidance counsellor should you wish for your child to access counselling services.”

Mr Reed said the school’s priority remained the wellbeing of children and staff members.

“Our staff will work with the school guidance counsellors to enable them to respond to the questions which students may have,” he said.

“The college will have additional guidance counsellors on site to provide support to students.

“Please be assured that we will contact you immediately if we are concerned for your child.”

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) confirmed it was “working closely” with police over the matter.

“Out of respect to the legal process, BCE is unable to comment further at this time,” a spokesman said in a statement.

“Brisbane Catholic Education’s primary concern is the safety, wellbeing and support of our students and staff.

“Brisbane Catholic Education has policies and procedures in place to ensure that any complaints and concerns raised by staff, students and families are addressed with the utmost urgency and respect for the privacy and dignity of those involved.