A childcare worker accused of slapping two young children while they slept has been released on bail after spending a night behind bars.
Nepalese national Jayendra Jung Shahi, 24, who worked at Panania Montessori Academy in Sydney’s southwest, was arrested on Saturday over the alleged assaults.
Police allege CCTV footage captured Shahi slapping two boys, aged three and four, in the face with an open hand during nap time about 1pm on Thursday.
A parent reported the incident to police on Friday, with officers arresting Shahi at a Belmore home about 7.45am the following day.
He was charged with two counts of common assault and appeared in court on Sunday.
“They are pretty serious examples of common assault, as they were committed in circumstances where the accused was meant to care for children in a childcare centre, and whilst two of those children were sleeping, aged three and four, he slapped them across the face,” acting Judge Amanda Coultas-Roberts said.
Background and Court Proceedings
The court heard Shahi has lived in Australia for seven years and had been working towards permanent residency. He completed a diploma in early childhood education last year.
In an affidavit, his wife said his mental health had deteriorated following recent family tragedies. His lawyer, James Moore, told the court Shahi needed support for his mental health.
Shahi was granted bail on the condition he surrender his passport and not enter any childcare facilities.
Childcare Centre Response
Panania Montessori Academy, which opened last year, confirmed his employment had been terminated.
“We take any concerns of this nature extremely seriously, and the safety, health and wellbeing of children is always our highest priority,” the centre said in a statement.
“As soon as we became aware of the allegation, immediate action was taken including standing down the educator and reporting the matter to the police and regulatory authority.
“We have since terminated the educator’s employment.”
Shahi is due to return to court on May 7.
