Albury doctor Gregory Couch charged over child abuse material offences

A doctor in southern NSW has been hit with child abuse material charges after authorities seized his phone and allegedly found thousands of photos and videos. Watch footage of the arrest.

An Albury doctor allegedly had more than 5000 files of child abuse material on his phone when detectives swooped on the 37-year-old man at an airport.

Sex crimes squad detectives have charged Gregory Couch over alleged child abuse offences under Strike Force Trawler.

In May, Australia Border Force officers seized a phone suspected of containing child abuse material from Couch at Melbourne Airport.

The phone was referred to the sex crimes squad detectives who allegedly found more than 5000 files – on videos and photos – of child abuse material.

Following extensive inquiries, about 6am on Tuesday, detectives searched an Albury property where they arrested Couch.

Couch will remain behind bars on remand until his next court appearance in August. Picture: Facebook

He was taken to Albury Police Station where he was charged with possessing child abuse material, using carriage service to access child abuse material, and intentionally importing prohibited tier 2 goods.

“There is no evidence to suggest any offending occurred against his patients,’’ NSW Police said in a statement.

“Investigations under Strike Force Trawler continue.”

Couch was refused bail to face Albury Local Court the same day when no pleas were entered.

He will remain behind bars on remand and his case will return to court on August 19.

Originally published as Albury doctor Gregory Couch charged over child abuse material offences