A Sydney childcare worker has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of seven years, after pleading guilty to multiple serious child abuse offences committed across several childcare and out-of-school-hours care centres.

The man, aged 27, was found to have abused his position of trust by filming and producing child abuse material involving nine children aged between five and nine years old while employed at numerous centres across Sydney.

The Downing Centre District Court heard that the offender led what the judge described as a “dual life”, appearing socially engaged and aspiring to a career in law enforcement while privately engaging in severe criminal conduct involving child exploitation material.

Judge Guy Newton said the man had abused his authority for sexual gratification and described his offending as a grave breach of trust in institutions relied upon by parents and carers.

The court was told the offender worked across dozens of childcare settings between 2018 and 2024, during which time he secretly recorded children in vulnerable situations, including in restricted areas.

Digital forensic analysis of seized devices revealed extensive illegal material, and police also uncovered evidence of his refusal to comply with password disclosure orders.

Victim impact statements highlighted the devastating and long-lasting consequences for families, including ongoing anxiety, loss of trust in childcare services, and significant disruption to work and family routines.One parent described feeling unable to trust any environment outside their direct supervision.The offender was also placed on the NSW Child Protection Register for 15 years.

Authorities noted the case underscores both the importance of safeguarding children in institutional care and the difficulty of detecting such offences within trusted environments.