Unveiled: Former Student of Private School Identified as Suspect in Childcare Predator Case - Thousands of Parents Issued Warning
Childcare Worker David William James's 58-Facility Work History in Sydney Under Scrutiny
David William James, a 26-year-old former Knox Grammar student, has been in the spotlight recently due to his extensive work history in childcare facilities across Sydney. Between March 2018 and September 2024, James worked at a staggering 58 childcare facilities in the city.
James's career began at OSHClub's Highfields in April 2018, followed by a brief stint at Fort Street and Hornsby South Before and After School Care in May of the same year. He then moved on to work at OSHClub's Smalls Road, Knox Grammar Preparatory, and Newington Lindfield between February 2018 and February 2020.
From May 2020 to May 2024, James worked at Primary OSHCare's Mowbray, SCECS OSHC Rose Bay, KGV OSHC City of Sydney, St Kieran's OSHC Manly Vale, TheirCare Ravenswood School for Girls, Primary OSHCare St Ives North, and Helping Hands St Ives Park Public School.
During this period, James also worked at TeamKids ANZAC Park Public School, Ultimo OSHC City of Sydney, Pyrmont OSHC City of Sydney, YMCA NSW Lycée Condorcet, Our Lady of the Rosary OSHC Waitara, YMCA Bankstown City, TheirCare St Andrew's Cathedral School, St Mary's OOSH Erskineville, and Primary OSHCare St Ives.
In addition, James worked at Willoughby Public School, Primary OSHCare Chatswood, North Shore Coaching College, Primary OSHCare Killarney Heights, and Primary OSHCare Frenchs Forest. He also worked at West Lindfield Getaway Vacation Care, Jigsaw Anzac Park Public School, Helping Hands Lane Cove West, and Helping Hands North Ryde.
Evidence of crimes has been found at only six of the 58 childcare facilities where James worked. However, the full list of childcare facilities where James worked in Sydney's North Shore, particularly those in the Northern Beaches area, is not directly provided in the available search results.
James was also a probationary police constable between December 2021 and September 2022, but he failed to finish his probation period and resigned from the NSW Police Force in May 2023. His identity was kept secret for the past nine months until a suppression order was lifted.
James is charged with a total of 14 counts related to indecently filming children and possessing child abuse material. The investigation into James began after the detection of child abuse material on the dark web in June 2024. Letters have been sent to parents and carers who may have crossed paths with him as part of a process led by NSW Police and the AFP under the Joint Child Protection Response Program.
The letters serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicious behaviour to authorities. It is a tragic reminder that such incidents can occur anywhere, even in places where children should feel safe and cared for.
- James's extensive work history in childcare facilities across Sydney spans various sectors of health and wellness, including general news of his 58-facility work history coming under scrutiny.
- Alongside his work history in childcare, James worked as a probationary police constable between December 2021 and September 2022, highlighting the importance of mental-health support in addressing crimes like the ones he is charged with.
- The investigation into James began with the discovery of child abuse material on the dark web, underscoring the relevance of recent news about sexual-health education and awareness in preventing such incidents.
- While evidence of crimes has been found at only six of the 58 childcare facilities where James worked, it is crucial to focus on health-and-wellness initiatives to ensure the safety and protection of all children, including those in sports and sports-betting environments.
- Following the tragic incident involving James, it is essential to foster a culture of health and wellness that encompasses all aspects of life, including sports, mental health, and medical-conditions, to create a safe and nurturing environment for children.
