Former NSW Police Probationary Constable Charged with Child Abuse Offences: AFP Releases List of Affected Sydney Children's Care Centers.

A former NSW Police probationary constable, David James, was charged with over a dozen child abuse offenses, including producing explicit photos of 10 children aged 5-6. The AFP released a list of 58 childcare centers where James worked, but stressed that there is "no evidence" of offending at 52 of those centers. Families have been contacted about the allegations, and authorities have set up a website with support services and advice.

A former NSW Police probationary constable, David James, has been charged with over a dozen child abuse offenses, including producing explicit photos of 10 children aged 5-6. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) released a list of 58 childcare centers where James worked, but stressed that there is "no evidence" of offending at 52 of those centers [1].

James, 26, was arrested in late 2024 and charged with 13 offenses, including nine counts of aggravated use of a child under 14 to make child abuse material; one count of using a child under 14 to make child abuse material; two counts of possessing child abuse material; and one count of contravening a warrant [1]. He was initially arrested for refusing to provide police with passcodes to his devices, but further investigation led to the discovery of child abuse material [1].

The AFP has contacted the families of all alleged victims and set up a website with support services and advice for those affected [1]. James worked at Knox Grammar high school and the YMCA in Bankstown, among other facilities [1]. Despite his extensive work history, the AFP has stated that there is no evidence to suggest any further offending outside the six centers identified [1].

This case comes as Australia faces a reckoning on safety within its childcare sector, following a series of high-profile sexual and physical abuse cases [2]. The AFP has emphasized the importance of reassuring parents and carers about the investigation, stating that if families have not heard from the AFP, it is because there is no evidence linking their family to James' alleged offending [2].

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/31/after-school-carer-david-james-charged-with-producing-child-abuse-material-at-six-facilities-across-northern-sydney-ntwnfb
[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx29px8lnlvo