Childcare worker’s sex abuse revealed
A vile childcare predator who abused children he looked after in multiple centres across Queensland has admitted to hundreds of counts of child sex offences at court.
Ashley Paul Griffith was initially slapped with a handful of child abuse-related charges when first arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) in August 2022.
But thousands of additional charges were laid following a protracted police investigation, where more child abuse material was allegedly found on devices belonging to the Gold Coast man.
It was standing room only in Brisbane District Court, with family members of victims filling up the public gallery for Griffith’s arraignment.
Federal police are also in attendance.
Griffith was due to enter pleas to 320 charges before the court but 13 of the indecent treatment charges were dropped by prosecutors on Monday morning.
He answered “guilty” to each of the charges as they were individually read into the record.
Griffith pleaded to a total of 307 charges, including 190 counts of indecent treatment of children, 67 counts of making child exploitation material, 28 counts of rape, 15 counts of maintaining an unlawful relationship with a child, 4 counts of producing child exploitation material, one count of distributing child exploitation material, one count of possessing child exploitation material and one count of using a carriage service to access child pornography material.
Some of the indecent treatment charges date back to 2003, while others cover dates between 2008 and 2009.
Asked if he had anything to say in response, Griffiths shook his head and silently said “no” before sitting down.
The court was told a sentencing date was being organised in November for the Director of Public Prosecutions to take charge of the matter.
Crown prosecutor Stephanie Gallagher said the court would need to accommodate a large number of victims, who may give impact statements to the court.
She also asked for pre-sentence and psychiatric reports for Griffith to be prepared.
District Court Judge Anthony Rafter organised a further mention for September 9.
Police initially charged him with two counts of making child exploitation material and one count of using a carriage service for child pornography material in August 2022.
It is alleged more child abuse material was found on devices belonging to Griffith a year later, resulting in more than 1600 additional charges being laid – including rape, indecent treatment of children and making child exploitation material.
These offences are included in the 320 charges remaining against him.
Griffith is alleged to have recorded his abuse of children – all of them allegedly pre-pubescent girls – working at 10 childcare centres in Brisbane between 2007 to 2013 and 2018 to 2022.
Police allege further offences took place at a location in Europe between 2013 and 2014 and in a Sydney centre between 2014 and 2017.
Videos and photographs allegedly produced by Griffith were first spotted on a dark web platform by investigators in 2014.
They were only traced back to a Brisbane childcare centre when he was first arrested.
The AFP in a statement said it was confident all 87 Australian children allegedly recorded had been identified and their parents informed.
Some are now over 18.
Griffith has worked at other childcare centres but is not alleged to have offended there.
In a since-deleted staff profile at one of the centres he worked at, Griffith said he was a “firm believer in play-based learning”.
“I love engaging children in meaningful experiences that inspire their play and learning,” he said.
“Young children are natural inquirers, exploring the world through their senses, seeking answers and building theories.
“As an early childhood teacher I hope to share this journey, learning side-by-side children and inspiring them.”
Under Queensland law, Griffith initially could not be identified due to legislation preventing alleged sexual offenders from being named until they are committed to stand trial in a higher court.
Changes to legislation in October last year allowed him to be identified.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact:
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
24-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588
Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937
National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212
SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090
Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817
Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122
Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1
Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800
Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14
Men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, should contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or the Don’t Become That Man helpline on 1300 243 413
