A teacher has been charged with serious offences after a hidden camera was discovered in a bathroom at Kingswood Primary School in Dingley Village, Melbourne. The allegations were presented at Moorabbin Magistrates Court where 33-year-old Timothy Blamires was denied bail.
The incident unfolded on a Tuesday when a cleaner found a camera concealed within an odour dispenser in the school’s male toilets. The device was linked to a hard drive, prompting the cleaner to place it in a plastic bag and report the matter to the principal. During the wait for police to arrive, Blamires allegedly removed the bag containing the camera from the principal’s desk and concealed it in a drawer in the sick bay before resuming his teaching duties.
Blamires was arrested later that day and has been charged with producing and possessing child abuse material, installing an optical surveillance device, and failing to comply with police directions. Following his arrest, officers discovered the odour dispenser in his backpack and seized multiple electronic devices from his home, including laptops and mobile phones.
In court, his legal representative argued that Blamires posed minimal risk, pointing to his lack of prior convictions and the possibility of managing any risks through strict bail conditions. Blamires’ brother also offered a $50,000 surety to secure his release, promising to provide supervision. However, the prosecution highlighted significant concerns, stating that Blamires may pose a danger to children and risk destroying evidence given his actions and the false passwords he purportedly provided to police.
Magistrate Timothy Gattuso noted that Blamires’ attempts to hide evidence, compounded by the ease of accessing the internet and potentially deleting data, underscored the challenges in enforcing any bail restrictions. He remarked on the severity of the charges, indicating that if proven, Blamires could face a lengthy prison sentence.
The court was informed that Blamires is struggling with his mental health and would benefit from isolation during his detention. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on May 15.
Victoria’s Department of Education is collaborating with the school and authorities to address the situation, expressing concern for the wellbeing of the school community. Support services are being made available for students and staff affected by this distressing incident.