David William James, a former police officer in New South Wales, has admitted to taking explicit photos and videos of children younger than 10 while caring for them. Between April 2021 and May 2024, James worked at six out-of-school hours care centres in Sydney’s north and city areas. Police revealed he also worked casually at 58 after-school and vacation care services across Sydney since 2018. James, 27, faces 31 charges, including 17 counts for producing child abuse material and seven counts for filming sexual acts involving children. The youngest victim was only four years old. The offences involved filming children partially undressed and masturbating in their presence. On Friday, James pleaded guilty to 11 charges related to producing and possessing child abuse material, as well as performing sexual acts with children for filming. He appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre local court via video from custody. Prosecutors withdrew the other 20 charges. He will return to the New South Wales district court on 30 January 2025 for sentencing. James originally worked as a probationary constable but, after failing his probation, stayed on as a civilian employee until resigning in May 2023. NSW police said they did not know he was working in childcare at the same time. Federal police found the abuse material on the dark web in June 2024 and traced it back to James. About 1,200 parents from the six centres involved were contacted. The revelation that James worked at nearly 60 centres including elite Sydney schools sparked concerns from many parents. James’s arrest has intensified calls for better background checks and information-sharing about childcare staff across Australia. NSW Premier Chris Minns promised tougher working-with-children rules. Childcare operators seek a national staff register and real-time notifications when staff are under investigation. Support is available for children and adults affected by abuse. In Australia, contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or the Blue Knot Foundation at 1300 657 380. UK and US helplines also offer support for survivors and concerned adults.