Commonwealth launches forensic digital investigation after Royal Darwin Hospital doctor accused of possessing child abuse material

Commonwealth investigators have launched a sweeping digital investigation after a senior Royal Darwin Hospital doctor was charged with possessing child abuse material.

A 45-year-old Royal Darwin Hospital worker — who cannot be named for legal reasons — was sensationally arrested in February and charged with two counts of possessing or controlling child abuse material. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)

Investigators are scouring through the digital footprint of a senior Darwin doctor accused of possessing child abuse material.

A 45-year-old Royal Darwin Hospital worker — who cannot be named for legal reasons — was sensationally arrested in February and charged with two counts of possessing or controlling child abuse material.

It is alleged the senior doctor used a carriage service to access the illegal material.

On Tuesday, Darwin Local Court judge Steve Ledek heard the brief of evidence had not been completed, with a “significant” amount of material still to be disclosed.

Commonwealth prosecutor Ingrid Ibbett said there was a “large amount of digital forensic material still being extracted”.

His defence barrister Brooke Houen said she had only been given a partial copy of the brief of evidence as the Commonwealth continued its investigation.

She said her client was comfortable with a “lengthy” eight-week adjournment for another preliminary examination mention.

The doctor — who remains on bail after being forced to surrender his passport and provide a significant bond — will not be required to attend the next hearing on May 27.

NT Health has previously confirmed the clinician is no longer on duty nor on site and therefore not presently treating patients in the Northern Territory health system.