David William James, a former Sydney police officer, has admitted to taking explicit photos and videos of children under 10 while working in childcare. Between April 2021 and May 2024, he created child abuse material at six out-of-school hours care centres across Sydney’s north and city. Police say James worked from 2018 at 58 after-school and vacation care centres. The 27-year-old faces 31 charges, including 17 counts of producing child abuse material and seven counts of filming sexual acts with children. Prosecutors say he filmed children, some as young as four, while they were partially undressed and masturbated in their presence. On Friday, James pleaded guilty to 11 charges via a video from custody. The remaining 20 charges were dropped. He will appear in the New South Wales district court on 30 January for sentencing. James was a probationary constable but did not pass and continued working in a civilian role until resigning in May 2023. NSW police said they did not know he was working in childcare simultaneously. Federal police linked the abuse material found on the dark web to James in June 2024. About 1,200 parents at the six centres involved were contacted by investigators. James also worked casually at many centres, including some top Sydney schools, causing uproar among parents. His arrest has pushed for stronger background checks and real-time alerts about childcare staff across Australia. NSW Premier Chris Minns has promised tougher rules for people working with children. Support is available for victims and concerned individuals via Kids Helpline in Australia on 1800 55 1800, and other international helplines.