Former TV Reporter Behind Bars: Ben McCormack Charged with 65 Counts of Child Abuse Material Offences
- Ex-A Current Affair journalist Ben McCormack, 51, accused of transmitting child sexual abuse material over several months
- McCormack, who resigned from Nine Network in 2017, faces 65 counts of child abuse material offences and three counts of failing to comply with reporting to police
- He will remain behind bars after a Brisbane Magistrates Court appearance, with a full brief of evidence to be disclosed by October 10
Ben McCormack, a former TV reporter, will stay behind bars after being accused of transmitting dozens of child sexual abuse material files. The 51-year-old, who used to work on the Nine Network’s A Current Affair program, faced Brisbane Magistrates Court via videolink on Friday, sporting a beard and wearing a green jail uniform T-shirt.
McCormack was arrested in early August and charged with 65 counts of transmitting audio files that allegedly constituted child sexual abuse material over several months last year at Oxley in Brisbane’s southwest. He is also facing three counts of failing to comply with reporting to police under the Child Protection Act and one count of giving false or misleading information.
In a brief court appearance, a law clerk from McCormack’s firm requested a full brief of evidence for all charges. Magistrate Clare Kelly ordered that the full brief of evidence be put together and disclosed by October 10. The matter was adjourned for a mention on November 7, and McCormack was remanded in custody.
McCormack did not speak in court except to confirm his identity and thank Ms Kelly at the end of his appearance. His case has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing disbelief that a former journalist could be accused of such heinous crimes.
If you or someone you know has been affected by child abuse, there are resources available to help. You can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028. Additionally, Kids Helpline is available for people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 55 1800.