TEACHER IN PORN CASE

College stands down staff member over child image charge

A POPULAR long-term teacher at a Cairns school is set to face court today charged with possessing child pornography.

Darren Archer, 56, has been stood down from his role as Information and Communication Technologies co-ordinator at Peace Lutheran College in Freshwater after being arrested and charged by police.

The charge allegedly relates to an image located on his personal computer.

There is no allegation that the material had a link to any student at the school.

Principal Anthony Mueller said they took matters like these “extremely seriously” and acted swiftly when contacted by police.

“As soon as we were made aware of the allegations, we stood down the staff member in question,” he said.

“At the request of police, these matters were kept confidential at the time.

“We do not tolerate activity of this nature at all and find it abhorrent.

“The College has co-operated fully with the police investigation into the matter.”

He said the school had performed a scan of its computer network and equipment and found no evidence of illicit material.

“Counselling support has been offered to all members of our community who wish to access it,” he said.

Far North police Detective Inspector Geoff Marsh confirmed a male teacher was arrested and charged earlier this month after a public tip off.

He said investigations by the Cairns Child Protection and Investigation Unit were ongoing.

“Further forensic analysis of his computer and other devices has continued,” he said.

“Information from a member of the public led to police taking action.”

Mr Archer is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court for the first time today on one count of possessing child exploitation material.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 14 years jail.