Former Langwarrin Park principal Richard Barren to stand trial on child abuse material charges

A Melbourne primary school principal will stand trial after border force officers allegedly discovered child abuse material on his phone.

Former Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard Barren fronted court on Friday. Picture: Supplied.

A Melbourne primary school principal will stand trial after border force officers allegedly discovered child abuse material on his phone.

Former Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard John Barren, 49, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Mr Barren entered not guilty pleas to his eight charges, which included an additional charge that was added on Thursday.

He was charged with possessing child abuse material and transmitting child abuse material.

He spent the majority of his court appearance staring at the ground until he entered his pleas.

Mr Barren will stand trial in the County Court.

Some of the charges relate to alleged offending that dates back to November, 2023.

He was charged after Australian Border Force officers allegedly found child abuse material on his personal mobile phone during a baggage search at Melbourne airport on January 26 after he flew home from a US holiday.

In a search warrant on a Mornington Peninsula home on the same day, police seized a number of other electronic devices for further forensic examination which may make up part of the case against him.

He was bailed in February. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Barren has been released on bail while he awaits his trial.

The court heard Mr Barren had moved houses after he was charged due to threats sent to his previous address.

His bail was set to his new address.

Mr Barren has been suspended on an interim basis by the teaching regulator. Picture: Supplied.

The Herald Sun previously revealed Mr Barren was planning on returning to the school for term one after he announced in a newsletter he would be wrapping up the 2024 school year early to go on long service leave.

“I am heading to the USA with my family for seven weeks. Time will be spent attending NBA, NFL and Ice Hockey games,” he said.

“I know I will see many of you next week in the playground. If I don’t, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support this year.

“Enjoy the summer period and I look forward to seeing you all at the start of 2025!”

Mr Barren was suspended on an interim basis by the teaching regulator in February, which means he won’t be able to return to the classroom until the Victorian Institute of Teaching concludes its investigation.

The Department of Education sent a letter to Langwarrin Park Primary School parents notifying them of the “concerning news”.

“I am sorry to be sending you such concerning news at the start of a new school year, but I need to inform you that the principal, Richard Barren, has this week been charged with a criminal offence relating the possession of child abuse material,” the letter read.

A letter sent to Langwarrin Park Primary School parents. Picture: Supplied.

“It is important that you know that at this stage there is no information to suggest that any student at this school has been impacted by the alleged offending.

“As there is an ongoing police investigation, we are unable to provide any further information but will update you when we are able.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with the school and other parts of the Department of Education to ensure appropriate steps are taken with child safety and wellbeing our paramount concern.

He will next appear before the court on June 26.