Arabic version: تم منح كفالة لمعلم سابق يواجه تهم استدراج الأطفال

Benjamin David Collinge, a former teacher at Newington College, has been granted bail on child grooming charges. According to ABC News, the 29-year-old was released after agreeing to post $120,000 in bail.

Collinge is accused of encouraging a 14-year-old girl to send sexual images in exchange for money. During a recent bail hearing at Burwood Local Court, it was revealed that police found child abuse material and upskirting videos on devices connected to him.

The court granted bail with specific conditions, including that $20,000 be paid immediately. Newington College terminated Collinge’s employment as soon as it learned of the charges, stating that none of its students were involved in the allegations.

Prosecutors opposed the bail, citing concerns over Collinge’s alleged sexual interest in children. However, his defense argued that the prosecution had not yet proven he accessed the abuse material found on his devices. Collinge had been held in a small cell without basic necessities for six days prior to the hearing.

The court imposed strict conditions on Collinge’s bail, including restrictions on alcohol consumption and internet access. He is also prohibited from entering several suburbs in Sydney’s inner west, including the suburb of Stanmore, where Newington College is located.