A senior Sydney barrister with decades of experience in criminal law has appeared in court charged with allegedly possessing child abuse material. Mark Dennis, 60, was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Tuesday after returning from Cambodia, where he operates a charity for underprivileged children.
Airport Arrest and Investigation Details
Border Force officers conducted an intelligence-led screening of his luggage upon arrival. During the search, authorities allegedly uncovered child abuse material on a mobile phone. This discovery prompted officers from the Australian Federal Police to become involved in the investigation.
Electronic Devices Seized for Analysis
The police allegedly identified what they described as child abuse material and sexualised conversations involving minors. A laptop, tablet, and USB drive found in his luggage were seized for further forensic analysis. Additional electronic devices were later confiscated from his Leichhardt home during the execution of a search warrant.
Serious Charges Laid Against Legal Veteran
Dennis faces multiple serious charges including two counts of using a carriage service to access child abuse material, one count of possessing child abuse material, and one count of intentionally importing a prohibited tier two good without approval. The prosecution opposed bail, citing the very serious nature of the alleged offences.
Legal Career and Charity Work
Mark Dennis has practiced criminal law since 1992, beginning his career as a solicitor with the Western Aboriginal Legal Service. He became a barrister in 2001 and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2018. In 2021, he founded Reasonable Cause Inc, a charity focused on assisting disadvantaged young Cambodians with their education.
Bail Hearing and Health Concerns
During the bail hearing, the court heard concerning details about the alleged offences. Police reportedly uncovered two disturbing online chats with children under 18 and an image of a boy aged between 6 and 10 years old. The prosecution expressed concerns that Dennis might use his legal knowledge to subvert laws.
Dennis spent one night in police custody before appearing before the Bail Division Court on Wednesday. His defence team argued for his release, noting his Type Two diabetes and previous medical issues. The court heard that delays in receiving medication during his custody could pose health risks, particularly given his history of suffering a stroke approximately 18 months prior to his arrest.
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed
The magistrate ultimately granted bail under stringent conditions. Dennis must report to police five days per week and is prohibited from contacting or being in the unsupervised vicinity of children under 16. He is also banned from accessing the internet or social media platforms. His defence indicated he would immediately cease legal practice for the foreseeable future.
Court Proceedings Continue
Mark Dennis is scheduled to return to court on March 18 for further proceedings. The case has drawn significant attention due to the defendant's prominent legal standing and the serious nature of the allegations against him.
