Private school swimming teacher, 30, charged over child porn on phone

A teacher at an exclusive private boys' school on Sydney's north shore has been charged with possessing child pornography after he left his mobile phone at a swimming pool.

Detectives were called to Knox Grammar School at Wahroonga on Monday afternoon after "a large number of child abuse images" were allegedly found on the phone left at the aquatic centre.

Nick Warby, 30, was arrested and taken to Hornsby Police Station while officers searched his home and seized a number of electronic devices.

Nicholas Warby leaves Hornsby Local Court in Sydney, Tuesday, August 6, 2019. A teacher from Sydney's prestigious Knox Grammar School has been charged after multiple child abuse images were allegedly found on his phone left at a pool.
Nicholas Warby leaves Hornsby Local Court in Sydney on Tuesday. Source: AAP

It's alleged drugs - including ice and GHB - were found in Warby's car.

In a letter to parents, Knox headmaster Scott James said the staff member had been removed from his duties at the aquatic centre.

"A colleague discovered inappropriate internet images on a mobile phone which we believe belongs to the staff member," Mr James wrote in Tuesday's letter seen by AAP.

"Police were alerted. They have advised us that there is currently no suggestion the images relate to Knox boys or swim centre students."

Warby appeared at Hornsby Local Court on Tuesday afternoon and was granted bail. He's due back in court on August 27.

A general view of Knox Grammar School at Wahroonga, in Sydney. A teacher at the school has been arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography.
Knox Grammar School in Sydney. Source: AAP (file pic)

The 30-year-old is the director of aquatic sports at Knox, according to his LinkedIn profile, and has been in the role since early 2017.

He describes himself online as a "friendly and enthusiastic educator with a passion for promoting sport and physical activity amongst young people".

He studied health education at Sydney University after attending Sydney Church of England Grammar School - or Shore - at North Sydney.

Warby has been a volunteer with Surf Life Saving Australia and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

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