Former Moriah teacher faces court
Magistrate John Favretto noted Reynolds was allegedly in possession of a “considerable amount” of images and videos “involving a large amount of prepubescent children'
FORMER Moriah College Head of English Cody Reynolds, who faced court today (Thursday) charged with online child abuse-related offences, has been granted bail.
Reynolds was arrested and charged yesterday (Wednesday) after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers searched his Kensington home and allegedly found child abuse material on two mobile phones and a laptop. The devices were seized by police.
He is charged with possessing child abuse material, three counts of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, and using a carriage service to transmit, makes available, publish, distribute or promote child abuse material.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the 36-year-old appeared via video link at Central Court on Thursday, where prosecutors opposed bail citing the fact that he lives across the road from a public school.
They also raised a conversation found on one of the devices, where Reynolds was allegedly discussing age preferences of young boys with another, unidentified person. Citing their preference as “the younger the better”, the other person asked Reynolds his preference to which he allegedly replied “11”, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Magistrate John Favretto noted Reynolds was allegedly in possession of a “considerable amount” of images and videos “involving a large amount of prepubescent children, some still in their infant years”. But he said there was no evidence Reynolds had had physical contact with children or had planned to do so.
The court was also told Reynolds had a valid Working with Children Check.
Defence lawyer Ryan Coffey described his client as an Indigenous man with “strong community ties”, The Sydney Morning Herald reported, while noting he had mental health issues.
In granting bail, Magistrate Favretto noted that these issues would “have a significant impact” on Reynolds if kept in custody, and that stringent bail conditions would keep him from interfering in investigations.
Reynolds’ employment at Moriah College has been terminated and there is no suggestion that any of the alleged offences occurred on school grounds or that any of the charges relate to online or in person contact with Moriah students.
He commenced at the school at the beginning of 2021, having previously worked at Christian Brothers’ High School, Lewisham, the Scots College and Waverley College.
He will appear in court again on May 3.