Police uncover massive amounts of new data on devices allegedly belonging to Mildura kindergarten cleaner Chris Rankin

Police say they have uncovered a “considerable amount” of new data during an investigation into an ex-Mildura kinder cleaner allegedly busted with child abuse material.

Mildura kindergarten cleaner Chris Rankin was allegedly usted with 100s of pieces of child abuse material by police. Picture: Facebook

A Mildura kindergarten cleaner and self-confessed tech whiz has allegedly been busted with more than 300 child abuse images, with police uncovering a “considerable” amount of new data as part of a lengthy investigation, a court has heard.

Chris Rankin, 35, appeared at Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for a special mention on charges including the production and possession of child abuse material.

The court heard an ongoing forensics investigation into a dozen seized devices uncovered a “considerable amount” of new data, though it was not revealed whether it contained child abuse material.

Described as “tech-savvy” during his last court appearance, the cleaner at a Mildura kindergarten was accused of amassing massive amounts of child abuse material, some allegedly filmed using a hidden bathroom camera.

Mr Rankin is a self described IT specialist, running his own IT business.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan granted police an extra four days to analyse the devices seized from Mr Rankin’s address. Picture: Generic/Mark Stewart

Police seized 12 electronic devices allegedly belonging to him during a search of his home.

During the search of his home, police said Mr Rankin was happy to speak with them about devices that weren’t connected to potential alleged offending, but when potentially incriminating devices were brought up, he refused to speak.

The court heard data previously pulled from the devices allegedly involved material filmed with a hidden camera inside a bathroom, as well as files where photos of other children had been altered to show them in sexualised poses.

Mr Rankin allegedly told police that the hidden camera had been disposed of and “didn’t exist anymore” before it was discovered still inside the bathroom.

It is alleged Mr Rankin fimed some of the child abuse material with a hidden camera that he allegedly told polcie he had disposed of Picture: Istock.

Police informant Detective Senior Constable Jake Casey told the court during Mr Rankin’s last appearance that just one folder on one of those devices allegedly contained more than 300 child abuse images of pre-pubescent girls, including the child who triggered the investigation.

The court heard the alleged victim’s mother was suffering significant mental health impacts as a result of the alleged offences.

“I believe her words were, ‘everything has just fallen apart,’” Constable Casey told the court at Mr Rankin’s previous court appearance.

On Wednesday police sought a 14-day extension to retrieve and analyse data from the devices.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan granted a four-day extension, aligning the deadline with Mr Rankin’s next court appearance.

Mr Rankin will remain in custody until his bail application is determined at his next appearance slated for July 10..