Source : the age
A notorious paedophile and former daycare worker has been charged with more than 200 child abuse offences against 23 children in Sydney’s inner west, following a lengthy investigation by NSW Police and the AFP.
Queensland man Ashley Paul Griffith, 48, was arrested at Silverwater Correctional Complex on Friday morning, where he was being detained after he was extradited to NSW from Queensland on Wednesday.
Detectives attached to the NSW Child Abuse Squad, with assistance from the AFP, identified 23 children aged between one and five who were allegedly sexually abused by Griffith while in his care.
The offences occurred while Griffith was employed at a childcare centre, and spanned the period between July 2014 and December 2017.
The 202 offences included 68 counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10, 42 counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child under 10, 69 counts of aggravated indecent assault, and 23 counts of producing child abuse material.
NSW Police Child Abuse Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett told the media on Friday that the alleged crimes were “horrific”.
“We’re talking about the [alleged] sexual abuse of small children over an extended period of time … Not only horrific for the victims, but also their families as well.”
She said she hoped the charges against Griffith would provide the families of victims “some sort of closure”.
“I’d like to say to anyone who offends against children, I give you this promise: it’s only a matter of time before we arrest you.”
Griffith made no application for bail on Friday. The 48-year-old will remain in custody in NSW until the completion of any criminal trial.
He will return to court on January 19.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Anyone affected by sexual, domestic or family violence can also access 24/7, free and confidential trauma-specialist counselling through Full Stop Australia (1800 385 578).
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Emily Kaine is a national news blogger at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
