A teacher from a primary school is accused of using a camera to record students in the boys’ restroom.
Timothy Blamires, aged 33, made a virtual appearance at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court in south Melbourne and was denied bail due to concerns of potential evidence tampering.
Following his arrest last Tuesday, Blamires faces charges of producing and possessing child abuse material after a hidden camera was discovered at Kingswood Primary School in Dingley Village.
Allegations state that a cleaner found the concealed camera inside an air freshener in the restroom, aimed at the urinals. The cleaner secured it in a bag and placed it on the headteacher’s desk.
Blamires reportedly retrieved the camera and hid it in a drawer in the school’s sick bay. Subsequently, the air freshener was allegedly found in his possession at the school after his arrest.
As part of the investigation, authorities have seized electronic devices such as laptops, phones, and tablets from Blamires’ residence.
It is claimed that footage recovered from the camera shows Blamires setting up the device and capturing children using the restroom.
Magistrate Timothy Gattuso refused bail, citing an “unacceptable risk” of witness interference and evidence tampering by Blamires. Additionally, Gattuso noted discrepancies in the passwords provided by Blamires to the police.
Despite a AU$50,000 surety offered by Blamires’ brother to secure bail and ensure compliance, the prosecution argued against his release, stating concerns about public safety and evidence preservation.
During the bail hearing, a mother of one of the school’s students expressed the emotional challenge of the situation, emphasizing the importance of being present to process the events.
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