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UPI
a day ago
- Health
- UPI
Australia arrests childcare worker; 1,200 children urged to get tested
July 1 (UPI) -- Authorities in Australia are recommending that 1,200 children be tested for infectious diseases after a 26-year-old man who worked at 20 childcare centers over the last few years was charged with dozens of offenses related to the sexual abuse of minors. Victoria Police announced in a statement Tuesday that Joshua Brown of Point Cook, a Melbourne suburb, has been charged with more than 70 counts related to the alleged abuse of eight children at a Point Cook childcare center between April 2022 and January 2023. He was arrested on May 12 and was remanded into police custody, where he remains, authorities said. Since his arrest, Victoria Police has undertaken what the department described as a "significant investigation" that established Brown worked at 20 childcare centers between January 2017 and May, and they are examining evidence of potential additional alleged offenses having committed at a second childcare facility. Investigators are currently trying to identify potential additional victims, Acting Commander Jane Stevenson of Crime Command said. "There will be people in the community who hear this news and feel very concerned about their own children. Parents who had a child at a center at the time of the many's employment are being notified today and a website has been set up by the Victorian government with further information for impacted families," Stevenson said in a statement. Australian police and health officials said families were being contacted "to ensure appropriate support and welfare services are provided." "The manner of the alleged offending means some children may be recommended for screening for infectious diseases," the government of Victoria said in a statement. "We acknowledge how distressing this will be for all families involved and the impact it will have on the broader community. Everything possible is being done to provide the vital support now required." Chief Health Officer Christian McGrath told reporters during a press conference that around 2,600 families have been contacted in connection to the case and that they are recommending approximately 1,200 children undergo testing for infectious diseases. "Families and the wider community can be reassured that the infections that the children were potentially exposed to can be treated with antibiotics and that there's no broader public health risk to the community," he said. Stevenson said in the press conference that they are not suggesting that the accused offended in all 20 centers, but they are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. She added that all alleged offenses are believed to have taken place within Victoria and that no other childcare workers were involved. Premier Jacinta Allan of Victoria issued a statement saying she was "sickened" by the allegations and that her "heart breaks for those families who are living every parent's worst nightmare." "As a parent, I can only imagine the unbearable pain and distress the affected families are feeling," she said. "Every health and mental health support will be provided to them."
Powys County Times
07-06-2025
- Powys County Times
Body found by police investigating disappearance of woman
A body has been found by police in the search for a Colombian woman who disappeared after leaving her east London home. Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, was reported missing to the Metropolitan Police on May 31 having left her home in Ilford on the morning of May 29. Her family has been told about the discovery of the body, which was found during searches in Hampshire's Bolderwood area on Saturday, but formal identification has yet to be made. Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. 'We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.' A post-mortem examination has yet to take place. The police said a man who was known to Ms Castro Mendez appeared in court on Friday charged with her murder and was remanded into custody. Her disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers. The investigation was then transferred to the Met's Specialist Crime Command on June 5, after a range of extensive further inquiries suggested she had come to harm.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Body found by police investigating disappearance of woman
A body has been found by police in the search for a Colombian woman who disappeared after leaving her east London home. Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, was reported missing to the Metropolitan Police on May 31 having left her home in Ilford on the morning of May 29. Her family has been told about the discovery of the body, which was found during searches in Hampshire's Bolderwood area on Saturday, but formal identification has yet to be made. Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. 'We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.' A post-mortem examination has yet to take place. The police said a man who was known to Ms Castro Mendez appeared in court on Friday charged with her murder and was remanded into custody. Her disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers. The investigation was then transferred to the Met's Specialist Crime Command on June 5, after a range of extensive further inquiries suggested she had come to harm. Police were at a scene in Gray's Inn Road, Camden, on Friday as part of their investigation.
