Deputy principal suspended while facing child porn charges
A DEPUTY principal of a Catholic secondary school has been suspended after being charged with accessing child abuse material.
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A DEPUTY principal of a Catholic secondary school has been suspended and charged with child porn offences.
RICHMOND MAN CHARGED WITH POSESSING CHILD ABUSE MATERIAL
TEEN IN BENDIGO COURT OVER SNAPCHAT CHILD ABUSE
Quentin Paul Smith, 48, faced court last week charged with accessing child abuse material over a period of 10 months, knowingly possessing material and possessing a drug of dependence, GHB.
The deputy principal of St John’s Regional College in Dandenong appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a filing hearing last Thursday, unshaven and wearing black-rimmed glasses and a suit and tie.
The court was told the quantity of images seized by police was “substantial” with prosecutors requesting extra time to analyse material contained in three devices, including a phone, computer and iPad.
The court heard it would take police up to 10 weeks to prepare a brief of evidence. Mr Smith contested the release of charge sheets to the media through his lawyer, who when asked by Magistrate Peter Reardon why the application shouldn’t be granted, replied: “He’s a vice-principal of a school, he’s currently on a 30-day suspension ... his wellbeing.” Mr Reardon released the charge sheets.
Detectives swooped on a Richmond home and arrested Mr Smith before dawn on Tuesday.
It’s understood officers from the Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team — comprised of Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police members — were involved in the search of the Stawell St property at 5.50am.
St John’s Regional College principal Tim Hogan said: “Earlier this week allegations regarding a staff member were drawn to my attention by Victoria Police.
“The staff member has had no contact with students since the school was made aware of the allegations.”
Mr Hogan said the college community had been notified.
Mr Smith was immediately suspended from work and referred to the Victorian Institute of Teaching and the Commission for Children and Young People.
The matter will reappear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a committal mention on July 6.
Mr Smith has been handed an interim suspension from teaching by the VIT.
