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Christopher James McCann: Girl allegedly procured for sex was in resi-care

A 15-year-old girl allegedly procured by a Brisbane sex worker for a high-flying bank executive was in the care of the child safety system, it has been revealed.

Christopher James McCann leaves the Brisbane watch house. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCA NewsWire
Christopher James McCann leaves the Brisbane watch house. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCA NewsWire

One of the girls allegedly procured by a Brisbane sex worker for a high-flying bank executive lives in a residential care house.

Christopher James McCann, 50, was charged with attempting to procure two girls – aged 14 and 15 – for sex in his Sofitel hotel room in May.

Police will allege McCann used 18-year-old sex worker Shauntelle Elizabeth Went to contact the girls on his behalf while he was visiting the city from Sydney.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the 15-year-old girl is in the care of the Department of Child Safety, and lives in a residential care house under supervision.

The Department of Child Safety was asked if the matter was being investigated, and how it could ensure children in care were safe from alleged abuse.

But a spokeswoman could not comment on the case.

“We expect the highest level of conduct from caregivers,” the spokeswoman said.

“Concerns raised about the quality of care are reviewed and acted on accordingly.

“We would urge any young person in care in need of support or protection to reach out to their child safety officer, police or another trusted adult – there will always be someone willing to listen and provide help.

“Child safety staff work every day to ensure vulnerable children are safe and they get the support they need in any circumstance.”

McCann was extradited to Queensland after being arrested at Sydney Airport on Thursday.

Shauntelle Elizabeth Went leaves the Brisbane watch house. Picture: David Clark
Shauntelle Elizabeth Went leaves the Brisbane watch house. Picture: David Clark

During McCann’s bail application on Monday, magistrate Louise Shepherd said it was alleged McCann, who travelled frequently for work, had messaged Went asking if she had any younger friends she worked with.

It is alleged the duo made an agreement on price for Went to procure two underage girls to meet McCann at the Sofitel Hotel.

Ms Shepherd said Went had allegedly waited in the lobby while the girls went up to McCann’s room.

She also said McCann then contacted the front desk asking the girls to leave.

It is not alleged the girls actually went inside McCann’s room, and it is not alleged McCann knew one of the children was in residential care.

The court heard McCann had a wife and two children back in Sydney.

McCann and Went are both charged with using the internet to procure a child under 16.

Went’s lawyer indicated she would be contesting the charge.

It comes as Went’s online sex work footprint was revealed, with social media posts claiming she made $16,000 in two days through her Only Fans account.

Her biography on TikTok labels Went “your favourite seller”.

Both Went and McCann were granted bail on strict conditions.

McCann was ordered not to have contact with any children except his own.

Both matters were adjourned for mention at Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 4.

Originally published as Christopher James McCann: Girl allegedly procured for sex was in resi-care

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/queensland/christopher-james-mccann-girl-allegedly-procured-for-sex-was-in-resicare/news-story/3b6a860a8774a1791736f601911c9614