JACET arrest SACA umpire on multiple alleged child abuse offences

The identity of the umpire charged with child sex abuse offending – who has worked for both SANFL and the South Australian Cricket Association – has been revealed.

An umpire who has worked for both SANFL and the South Australian Cricket Association has been charged with alleged child abuse offending.

The Advertiser can reveal Brett Allford will face the Adelaide Magistrates Court again in November, following his arrest this month for alleged online sexual offending.

Mr Allford, 40, of Edwardstown, has yet to plead to one count of using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material.

He is further charged with one count of possessing or controlling child abuse material accessed using a carriage service.

Under Federal law, a “carriage service” is a telecommunications device – in this case, the internet – and the offences carry a maximum 15-year prison term if found guilty.

Mr Allford first faced court on October 11 following his arrest by detectives from the state’s elite Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team, or JACET.

He made no application for bail on October 11 and was remanded in custody to face court again in November.

SACA has informed its community that a male cricket umpire has been arrested on child sex offences. Picture istock

The Advertiser understands Mr Allford is likely to be further charged, at that appearance, with having failed to disclose his working with children status to SACA and the SANFL.

On Tuesday, SACA chief executive Charlie Hodgson notified parents and guardians of Mr Allford’s arrest via email.

It said a male charged with alleged child abuse material offences had undertaken umpiring duties in SA.

“There is no suggestion that the offences relate to cricket in South Australia, or the participation of children in cricket, including any of your children or the children you care for,” the email read.

“The umpire’s engagement has been terminated effective immediately by SACA.”

The email was distributed in line with Australian Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children and Young People.

A statement from SACA said they has received a notification from SAPOL of the arrest of a male who is charged with child abuse offences who has undertaken umpiring duties in SA.

“There is no suggestion that the offences relate to cricket in South Australia, or the participation of children in cricket,” the statement said.

The statement said SACA terminated the umpire’s engagement and parents and carers are being informed in line with Australian Cricket’s policy for safeguarding children and young people.

South Australian National Football League (SANFL) also received notification of the arrest from SAPOL.

“There is no suggestion that the offences relate to football in South Australia, or the participation of children in football,” an SANFL spokesperson said.

“The umpire has been terminated effective immediately by SANFL.

“Parents and caregivers of players are being informed in line with SANFL’s Member Protection Policy.”

Concerned parents are caregivers were urged to contact SAPOL or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as JACET arrest SACA umpire on multiple alleged child abuse offences