Lismore child groomer Christopher Frangos’ case stalls on ‘backward’ legal bungling

A disgraced former Lismore primary school teacher who used a carriage service to groom a child for sex has had his sentencing delayed thanks to his lawyer’s “backward” and “inefficient” methods.

Christopher Frangos arrest in November, 2023. Picture: NSW Police

A disgraced former Lismore primary school teacher who used a carriage service to groom a child for sex has had his sentencing delayed thanks to his lawyer’s “backward” and “inefficient” methods.

Christopher Frangos, 36, was mentioned in Lismore District Court before Judge Jonathan Priestley on Tuesday.

Frangos pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to procure a child under 16 years old for sexual activity on August 28.

The second initial charge of using a carriage service to send indecent material to a child under 16 was withdrawn.

Christopher Frangos arrest in November, 2023. Picture: NSW Police

NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad detectives charged Frangos following an investigation into online grooming in Ballina under Strike Force Trawler in 2023.

Trawler is an ongoing probe by the Child Exploitation Internet Unit, which is delving into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children over the internet and mobile devices.

“With assistance from the Queensland Police Service, a Ballina man was identified allegedly using a social media platform to groom a teenage girl for the purpose of sexual activity,” police state.

It has since been confirmed Frangos engaged with a police officer posing as an underage girl.

Disgraced former primary school teacher pleaded guilty to child grooming offences under Strike Force Trawler. Picture: Christopher Frangos/LinkedIn

Frangos’ defence lawyer Matthew Cuskelly told the court he wanted the matter relisted in the new year in order to obtain a transcript from a similar case decision to use in his sentencing submissions.

Mr Cuskelly told the court he was also waiting on a psychiatrist report from Dr Phillip Morris that would not be ready until mid-January.

Navin Ravi for the Crown didn’t consent to the report and said he did not see any relevance to “additional information” it may contain.

Mr Cuskelly said the decision and case was “very factually similar” to one handed down on October 30.

However, Judge Priestley said there were “thousands” of cases and he did not see the result as “breaking any new ground”.

Mr Priestley said the matter was listed in September for a December sentence which would allow ample time to prepare submissions.

Christopher Frangos arrest in November, 2023. Picture: NSW Police

The Judge told Cuskelly his late actions “mucks everything up procedurally” and “it’s a very inefficient way of doing things”.

“I am not impressed but in the interest of justice, despite the fact of advice prepared in a backwards way, I will vacate the date,” Mr Priestley said.

Mr Cuskelly said the sentencing should take two hours after counsel both deliver their submissions.

Mr Priestley ordered all reports and any evidence the defence wishes to rely upon to be served by March 10.

Frangos remains on bail and is scheduled to appear before the court on April 7.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]