TEACHER CHARGED WITH CHILD EXPLOITATION OFFENCES

A 28 year old Wheatbelt teacher has appeared in Northam Magistrates Court today charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material.

Darrel Calvin Scott, 28, is facing:

• •2x counts of distributing child exploitation material
• •1x count of possessing child exploitation material

The court heard Scott was working as a teacher at a Wheatbelt high school at the time of the alleged offending and has since lost his job.

Police allege a preliminary examination of Scott’s mobile phone uncovered three videos containing child exploitation material, which were allegedly shared with two other users through the private messaging application Session.

During the bail hearing, police prosecutors also told the court conversations discovered on Scott’s phone included discussions about fantasies involving inappropriate conduct with students.

There is currently no allegation that any student was sexually abused by Scott, that students appeared in the alleged material, or that the charged offending occurred through his employment at the school.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY NOTIFIED

Northam Senior High School previously wrote to parents and carers advising them of a “court appearance relating to a staff member” and offering support to students.

The school said the matter was being handled by the WA Police Force and student safety and wellbeing remained a priority.

The information subsequently revealed in court provides significantly more detail about the nature of the allegations.

Teachers have daily access to young people, and families are entitled to expect schools, employers, police and professional regulators respond quickly when concerns of this seriousness arise.

Scott was granted bail subject to strict conditions, including living with his parents, no internet access and no unsupervised contact with children.

He is expected to return to court in October 2026.

The criminal proceedings will determine whether the allegations against Scott are proven. Until then, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

WA in Focus will continue to follow the matter as it progresses through the courts.