Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard Barren charged with possessing child abuse material

Parents have been left “in tears” after they were told their principal was charged with possessing child abuse material.

Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard Barren has been charged with possessing child abuse material. Picture: Supplied.

A southeastern suburbs primary school principal has been charged with possessing child abuse material.

Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard Barren, 49, was charged after Australian Border Force officers allegedly found child abuse material on his personal mobile phone during a baggage search at Melbourne airport.

His bag was searched after he returned to Australia from the US on January 26.

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.

Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard Barren has been charged with possessing child abuse material. Picture: Supplied.

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 appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday.

He has been bailed to reappear before the court on May 30 for a committal mention.

He is yet to face disciplinary action by the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

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 after principal Richard Barren was charged with possessing child abuse material. 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.

“To ensure we don’t interfere with the police investigation and court processes, I ask for your sensitivity and discretion in discussing or sharing this information in the community.”

Parents were sent the letter by the education department on Friday. Picture: Supplied.

The news devastated families at the close knit school as parents arrived early to collect their children.

“I can’t believe it. It feels surreal,” one mum told the Herald Sun.

Another said her phone “blew up” when the email landed.

“I’ve had parents on the phone in tears,” she said.

“I’m gutted too.

“The principal was one of the reasons we picked this school.”

The mum, who only recently joined the school community, said the principal appeared to be “warm” and was always at the front welcoming students at the start of each day.

Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard Barren was planning on returning to the school for term one. Picture: Supplied.

Another mum said she had just read the email on her phone, in the car, while waiting to collect her child.

“I don’t know what to say. It feels unreal,” she said.

A dad waiting in his car said he had arrived early to pick up in a bid to shield his child from any discussions about the charges.

Another parent said some families with children who had spent more “one on one time” with Mr Barren were “extremely anxious”.

Deb Harrow has been appointed to act as principal at Langwarrin Park Primary School.

Originally published as Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard Barren charged with possessing child abuse material