Christopher James McCann, a 50-year-old executive from Commonwealth Bank, has been granted bail following his extradition from New South Wales to Queensland on charges related to the online procurement of underage girls for sexual activities. McCann appeared at the Brisbane Arrest Court where he faced one count of using the internet to solicit children under 16 years old.
Arrested by NSW Police, McCann was taken to Brisbane on Thursday night. During the court proceedings, Magistrate Louise Shephard outlined the serious nature of the allegations against him, which include engaging with an 18-year-old sex worker, Shauntelle Elizabeth Went, in discussions about arranging for two girls aged 14 or 15. Communication intercepted by police on May 14 raised suspicion after McCann asked Went if she had younger friends available for work.
The magistrate indicated that McCann allegedly made arrangements, including negotiating a price with Went for sexual services involving the minors. It was reported that later that same evening, Went and the girls arrived at a five-star hotel in Brisbane, where McCann attempted to contact the front desk, instructing them to remove the girls from the premises, although they did not enter his room.
The case, referred to Queensland’s Task Force Argos—dedicated to child exploitation—culminated in a search warrant executed at McCann’s home on July 8. A prosecutor argued against bail, citing concerns that McCann could pose a danger to the community, potentially reoffending while on bail, and the risk he might abscond given his financial resources linked to his previous employment.
In contrast, McCann’s legal representative, David Jones, contested the prosecution’s position, describing its arguments as speculative and lacking concrete evidence. He asserted that McCann has no prior criminal history and is willing to comply with conditions during the court proceedings, including relocating to Queensland.
Despite recognising the strength of the prosecution’s case, Magistrate Shephard agreed to grant bail, placing several conditions on McCann, including a strict overnight curfew and the limitation of his communication to one mobile phone without encrypted applications.
As proceedings continued, Went was also granted bail on the same day. The next court mention for both McCann and Went is scheduled for August 4, where further developments in the case will be discussed.