‘Terrifying’ moment Dean Evans told daughter was at childcare with alleged monster

A Geelong man has recalled the “terrifying” moment he was informed his child was at a Leopold childcare at the same time as alleged child abuser Joshua Brown.

A Geelong man has recalled the “terrifying” moment he was informed his child was at a Leopold childcare at the same time as alleged child abuser Joshua Brown.

Dean Evans’ three-year-old daughter attended Leopold World of Learning during the three days in February 2023 Mr Brown spent working at the centre.

Mr Evans said the moment he received the email from the Department of Education on Tuesday informing him of the news was “terrifying”.

“Me and my partner were shaking with anxiety and anger,” Mr Evans said.

“Once we found out what centre it was we were confused, because that was a good centre, I’d still like to believe it was a good centre.

Melbourne alleged sex abuser Joshua Brown. Picture: Supplied.

Brown worked at Leopold World of Learning for several days in February 2023.

“The fact he was in proximity is terrifying.”

Mr Evans said the shocking news had been weighing on his mind since.

“It hasn’t left me or my partner’s head,” he said.

“We feel like we can’t turn our backs, we can’t leave her alone.”

It was revealed on Tuesday that 26-year-old Mr Brown had been arrested on May 12 and charged with 70 offences, including the sexual abuse of eight children aged from five months to two years old.

Mr Evans said that while he couldn’t remember Brown, his partner was “adamant” she recognised him.

Parents of 1200 children are urged to get infectious disease tests in relation to Brown’s alleged offending.

While Mr Evans has not yet received correspondence regarding this, he said the family would book it in through a professional as a precaution.

“It’s not something that anyone normally goes through,” he said.

“So I don’t know what to think, but when I go into that doctor’s office it’s going to be 100 per cent different and I’m going to break down.

Alleged sex abuser Joshua Brown. Picture Supplied.

“What if something comes back positive?”

Despite the uncertainty around his own situation, Mr Evans said he felt “heavily” for those who have already had the worst confirmed.

“I cannot imagine what they’re going through, and that is just an awful, awful thing to think about,” he said.

Another parent whose child attended the centre said his “obvious” initial reaction was shock and disgust.

“There was anger in there too, not at the centre but at the event,” he said.

“For a lot of parents it’s just a moment of wanting to hold your kids tighter.

“I’m less affected because our child wasn’t there at the time … but for the people that were impacted I can’t even imagine.”

The parent said he was “still confident” in the centre’s educators.

“It does not put any doubt in my mind about our centre,” he said.

“They are incredibly caring and kind, and work really hard.

“But our local centre is doing everything they can.”

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Originally published as ‘Terrifying’ moment Dean Evans told daughter was at childcare with alleged monster