Canberra teacher accused of child sexual abuse banned from being alone with children

The ACT Magistrates Court has imposed strict bail conditions on a former Canberra teacher accused of child sexual abuse allegations dating back to the 1990s.

David Dempsey, 67, faces a total of eight charges, including three counts of indecency and five counts of rape.

Mr. Dempsey was initially summoned on the charges, but prosecutors took the unusual step of requesting that he be released on bail so he would have to abide by the conditions.

These include not going near any schools, not being around unaccompanied children, and staying away from the alleged victim.

The court heard Mr Dempsey also faces charges in New South Wales.

His barrister Peter Woodhouse told the court he stopped teaching in 2023 and his pass to work with vulnerable people had been cancelled.

The court heard Mr Dempsey was recently charged when he was found to be tutoring in NSW without a valid card and was also on bail.

Judge Ian Temby told the court he had to accept there was a risk.

“The particular risk arises from the fact that the bail assessment form states that the defendant continues to have one-on-one contact with vulnerable people,” Judge Temby said. he said.

The court heard Mr Dempsey is currently in Sydney.

His case will return to court in January.