Arabic version: معلم في سيدني متهم بالتحرش وجرائم مواد الاعتداء على الأطفال
A teacher from Newington College in Sydney has been charged with grooming a minor and accessing child abuse material. Benjamin David Collinge, 29, allegedly attempted to encourage a 14-year-old girl to send sexually explicit images in exchange for money. According to ABC News, police assert that the girl was not known to him, and the school confirmed that none of its students are involved.
The NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad arrested Collinge at his Beecroft home about 5:45am today. Detectives from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit claim that he posed as a 17-year-old boy in his interactions with the minor. Acting Commander Superintendent Karl Leis stated that Collinge allegedly took steps to pressure the girl during their online dialogue.
Police began their investigation following a report from the girl’s parents last Wednesday regarding the communications with the teacher. After his arrest, a search of Collinge’s devices reportedly uncovered child abuse material.
Newington College has since terminated Collinge’s employment. Headmaster Michael Parker informed parents that Collinge had worked in various casual roles within the school’s music department since 2015 and had completed all mandatory child protection training. He also held a valid working with children check, with no prior complaints about his behavior. Collinge has been refused bail and is expected to return to court in April.
