Former NSW Probationary Constable Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse Material Charges
David William James, a former New South Wales probationary constable who resigned in May 2023, pleaded guilty on 12 December 2025 to 11 charges related to the production and possession of child abuse material, as well as performing a sexual act with a child to produce such material. Prosecutors withdrew an additional 20 charges against him.
James admitted to taking explicit images and videos of children in his care while working at six out-of-school-hours (OOSH) care services located in Sydney's northern and city centers between April 2021 and May 2024. Police indicated that he worked across 58 different after-school and vacation care services during this period.
The youngest victim was only four years old. The illicit materials included footage of children who were partially undressed and masturbating in James's presence.
Australian Federal Police traced the material to James in June 2024 after discovering it on the dark web. Approximately 1,200 parents associated with the six childcare centers were notified of the incident.
James had been employed casually by nearly 60 centers over several years, including some elite Sydney schools. NSW Police stated they were unaware that he was simultaneously working in childcare while serving as a probationary constable.
This case has led to calls for improved information-sharing among staff and the establishment of a national childcare worker register. In response, NSW Premier Chris Minns has signaled intentions to implement stronger requirements for working with children.
