The director of a daycare centre has been fired after it was discovered that she employed her husband, a registered sex offender, as the centre’s maintenance man.
Andrew William Vassel, 45, was hired by the Beenleigh Montessori Early Learning Centre in Brisbane in 2018, where he worked as a gardener and maintenance man.
In a shocking twist, Vassel even dressed up as the centre’s Santa Claus, although he claims not to recall doing so.
Vassel’s wife, Amanda Louise Vassel, 46, was fired from her role as the centre’s director after her employment of her husband came to light.
A History of Child Sex Abuse
Vassel served eight months behind bars after being found guilty of two child sex abuse offences in 2007.
Following his release, he was subject to a reporting order for 15 years, which ended in 2023.
However, in June, police received a tip that Vassel had been working at the childcare centre without reporting the employment to authorities.
He was fined $2,000 at Beenleigh Magistrates Court last Thursday.
Failed to Report Employment
Vassel claimed he did not think he needed to report his work in a childcare centre to police because he only worked outside opening hours.
His wife, Amanda, was also charged with two breaches of child protection laws and is set to face Beenleigh Magistrates Court on August 19.
The daycare owners have since contacted all parents and staff to apologize for any distress caused by the situation.