Ex-teacher Dean Carelse allegedly said the child pornography charges against him were an ‘unfortunate misunderstanding’

A statement allegedly written by the ex-teacher and water polo coach said the situation was “sensationally misconstrued.”

Dean Carelse leaving Maroochydore Magistrates Court earlier this year.

The matter of a Sunshine Coast former teacher and water polo coach facing child pornography charges has been adjourned again.

Dean Carelse faces one charge each of possessing and distributing child exploitation material and was due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday for a committal mention.

The Daily previously reported that Mr Carelse was charged by officers from the Sunshine Coast Child Protection Unit after a raid on his Mooloolaba home.

Police searched the former Matthew Flinders Anglican College teacher’s house on March 20 and seized a number of items.

Mr Carelse, who is from South Africa, allegedly took to Facebook after his arrest, saying the situation had been “sensationally misconstrued” in a now deleted post.

The Citizen, a South African news site, reported in March that Mr Carelse had written: “I would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support and kind words during this difficult time.

“I am hurt at how situations can be so sensationally misconstrued.

“I would also like to reassure friends and family, and am confident that this unfortunate misunderstanding will be resolved soon under the guidance of my legal team.”

A court staff member said Mr Carelse did not appear on Friday but said it appeared the court received an email requesting an adjournment.

Magistrate Rod Madsen adjourned Mr Carelse’s matter for another mention on August 6.

Due to the three day lockdown defendants due to face court were able to appear via telephone, video link (if on remand) or could email the court to request an adjournment.

Mr Carelse was also previously terminated from his position at Matthew Flinders Anglican College.

It was reported in June that Mr Carelse attempted to overturn the suspension of his teaching licence.

The Queensland College of Teachers suspended his registration on March 22 after he was charged and in May the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled that the suspension should continue.

Water Polo Queensland issued a statement in March confirming Mr Carelse had been suspended from the organisation after the raid.

Originally published as Ex-teacher Dean Carelse allegedly said the child pornography charges against him were an ‘unfortunate misunderstanding’