Top Sydney barrister caught with child abuse material at airport, police allege

A prominent Sydney barrister has been charged after the Australian Federal Police allegedly found child abuse material on his phone when he returned from a trip to South-East Asia – where he runs a charity for disadvantaged youngsters.

Mark Dennis SC was arrested after returning to Sydney on a flight from Cambodia on Tuesday.

Officers from the AFP and Australian Border Force searched Dennis’ luggage and allegedly found child abuse material on his phones.

Electronic devices were seized from his luggage and a search warrant was executed at his home in Leichhardt.

The 60-year-old is a high-profile figure in Australia’s legal fraternity – he was the principal solicitor of the Western Aboriginal Legal Service, and won the prestigious Terry Keaney Memorial Award among other accolades.

Dennis is also highly active in charities and non-profits in both Australia and Cambodia where his philanthropy has been directed towards children and young people.

He founded Reasonable Cause, with other lawyers, in 2020 to help disadvantaged young people with scholarships and literacy in the impoverished Cambodian regions. He visits the country twice every year, according to an online profile.

Federal investigators are not examining his actions abroad.

Dennis was charged with possessing, distributing and importing child abuse material.

He will face court on Wednesday.

More to come.

Anyone needing support can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028, Lifeline 13 11 14, and Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

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