Casual Teacher Charged with Child Grooming and Child Abuse Material Offenses
Benjamin David Collinge, a 29-year-old casual teacher, has been charged with child grooming and accessing child abuse material following an investigation by NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad detectives. Police allege Mr. Collinge used social media to interact with a 14-year-old girl, reportedly offering money in exchange for sexually explicit images. He was refused bail and appeared in Burwood Local Court.
Benjamin David Collinge, a 29-year-old casual teacher, has been charged with child grooming and accessing child abuse material following an investigation by NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad detectives.
Details of the Allegations
Police allege Mr. Collinge initiated contact with a 14-year-old girl via social media, posing as a 17-year-old boy. He is accused of encouraging the girl to send sexually explicit images in exchange for money and pressuring her during their communications. Authorities have stated that the girl was not known to Mr. Collinge.
Newington College, where Mr. Collinge was employed, confirmed that none of its students were involved in the alleged interactions. Police are investigating whether other individuals have been affected.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation commenced after the girl's parents reported communications between Mr. Collinge and their daughter to authorities. The initial contact between Mr. Collinge and the girl reportedly occurred on March 18.
Mr. Collinge was arrested at his residence in Beecroft, Sydney's north, at approximately 5:45 AM on a Thursday. Following his arrest, a search of Mr. Collinge's devices reportedly led to the discovery of child abuse material.
School's Response
Newington College Headmaster Michael Parker informed parents that the school had terminated Mr. Collinge's employment. The school stated that Mr. Collinge had held various casual roles within the music department across its senior, Wyvern House, and Lindfield campuses since 2015.
During his employment, Mr. Collinge had completed mandatory child protection training, possessed a valid working with children check, and had no prior complaints regarding his behavior.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Mr. Collinge has been charged with:
- Using a carriage service to groom a child under 16 years for sex.
- Using a carriage service to access child abuse material.
He was refused bail at Burwood Local Court. He was scheduled to appear in court again in April.