Horsham man Ron Marks convicted for accessing almost 1000 child abuse images

Accused sex offenders awaiting prosecution are slipping through the cracks of the state’s child protection laws in what has been slammed as a catastrophic systemic failure.

Ron Marks was this week convicted and sentenced for accessing almost 1000 images of child abuse, bestiality and torture but until then had been free to visit early learning centres. Pictures: Weekly Advertiser/Paul Carracher, Facebook

Accused sex offenders awaiting prosecution are able to slip through the cracks of Victoria’s child protection laws in what has been slammed as a catastrophic systemic failure.

The Herald Sun can reveal the accused offenders are being allowed to continue working with children while under police investigation despite being flagged as potentially dangerous.

Horsham man Ron Marks was this week convicted and sentenced for accessing almost 1000 images of heinous child abuse material including bestiality and torture imagery.

But almost two years after police raided his home and seized the vile images he was free to visit the Green Leaves Early Learning childcare centre in Horsham to conduct an Indigenous knowledge incursion.

Ron Marks. Picture: Facebook

During the session he taught kindergarten children about “ancient tools such as boomerangs, stones and ochre clay and explore Aboriginal dance and ochre painting.”

Mr Marks was first investigated in September 2021 and visited the kinder almost exactly two years later.

He also visited other schools during that time.

A parent at the childcare centre, whose child attended the incursion, said they were sickened by the visit.

“I just think it’s really disgusting to be honest,” they said.

“I would be under the assumption that if you were to be arrested for such horrific crimes you should not be allowed near children until the outcome of the case.

“It blows my mind that there’s no way of checking. The system should immediately suspend Working With Children checks pending charges.

Ron Marks at Green Leaves Early Learning in Horsham in 2023. Picture: Facebook

The centre said Marks only visited once and was under constant supervision. Picture: Facebook

“It is absolutely disgusting, surely this has to be addressed. It’s gross.”

The Herald Sun contacted Green Leaves Early Learning for comment who said Marks only visited once and was under constant supervision.

Under current laws Working With Children checks are suspended if someone is charged with child sex offences – not while they are under investigation.

In the case of Marks, he wasn’t ultimately charged until January 2025, despite being under investigation for more than three years.

A police spokesperson said the case was flagged with the Department of Justice in 2021 while police seized Marks’ physical Working With Children card.

Local MP, Emma Kealy, said the revelations came as a deep shock to the local community.

“We acknowledge that many people will be feeling hurt, confused, and betrayed,” she said.

“In moments like this, it’s more important than ever that we look out for one another with compassion, understanding and strength.

“It is essential that as a community we stand together in unwavering support to protect our children.

Ron Marks with Horsham College students during a community National Reconciliation Week this year. Picture: Weekly Advertiser

“Our priority must remain on supporting survivors, protecting children, and ensuring the appropriate legal and judicial processes are followed and respected.”

Shadow Minister for Education, Jess Wilson, said the case “exposes the complete failure of Victoria’s Working With Children Check system and our child safety regulations.”

“It’s inconceivable that an individual who police seized child abuse material from was able to maintain a valid Working With Children Check and still visit a childcare centre,” she said.

“These flaws pose an unacceptable risk to the safety of our most vulnerable and must be immediately addressed by recalling parliament.

“Under the Allan Labor Government, it appears working with children checks are barely worth the paper they’re written on.”

Nationals MP Emma Kealy said the revelations had rocked the local community. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A government spokesperson confirmed that only on charges being laid were Working With Children checks first suspended.

“Under law, anyone charged or convicted of a serious sexual offence against a child must have their Working with Children Check suspended. These suspensions are acted on after receiving information from Victoria Police and other authorities,” she said.

“Victorian families must be able to trust that their children are safe in childcare and we will do everything in our power to make sure they can.

That’s why we have commissioned an urgent review into child safety in early childhood education and care settings and the Working with Children Check in Victoria – and we will adopt every recommendation.”

Originally published as Horsham man Ron Marks convicted for accessing almost 1000 child abuse images