Teacher Denied Bail Over Hidden Camera in School Bathroom
A Melbourne primary school teacher has been refused bail after a hidden camera was discovered in a school toilet, allegedly recording young children.
Incident Discovery
On Tuesday morning, a cleaner at Kingswood Primary School in Dingley Village, a suburb in Melbourne's south-east, discovered a camera hidden inside an odour dispenser in the male toilets. The device was reportedly pointed towards urinals.
The device was initially moved to the principal's office. According to court documents, the accused allegedly entered the office, took the device, and concealed it in another room before returning to teach. The camera was later located in the school's sick bay. An empty air freshener container was found in the teacher's backpack.
Charges and Arrest
Victoria Police arrested Timothy Blamires, 33, at the school on the same day. He has been charged with one count each of producing child abuse material and possessing child abuse material, as well as installing a device without consent.
Footage on the recovered camera is alleged to show the teacher setting up the device and young children using the toilet. Images of children's genitalia were reportedly recorded.
Bail Hearing
At a hearing at Moorabbin Magistrates' Court on Friday, Magistrate Timothy Gattuso denied bail. The magistrate cited an "unacceptable risk" of interference with witnesses and evidence, the potential for further harm to children, and the fact that the accused had moved the camera after its discovery.
Blamires' brother offered a $50,000 surety, but the magistrate declined the offer, stating it would be difficult to enforce restrictions on internet access. The prosecution case was described by the magistrate as "strong" and the alleged offending as "very serious."
Police Investigation
Police have seized items from Blamires's home. Authorities have reported difficulty accessing material on the devices, as passwords provided by Blamires were reportedly not accurate. Police have also stated concerns about accessing material potentially stored in the cloud and additional software found on Blamires's computer.
Court and Community Response
Approximately 50 members of the school community attended the bail hearing. Some parents expressed distress and uncertainty about whether their children were affected. A closed court session occupied part of the proceedings.
Kingswood Primary School principal Aaron Cox informed parents of the situation via message on Wednesday night. An independent security agency conducted a sweep of the school and found no other devices. A Department of Education spokesperson stated that support is being provided to students and staff.
Status
Timothy Blamires had no prior convictions. He has been suspended by the Victorian Institute of Teaching. The case has been adjourned and is scheduled to return to court later in the month.