A Commonwealth Bank executive accused of grooming underage girls for sex has been granted bail after being extradited from New South Wales to Queensland.
Christopher James McCann, 50, appeared in Brisbane Arrest Court to face one count of using the internet to procure children under the age of 16.
McCann, a Sydney-based corporate finance executive with over 20 years of experience, was arrested by NSW Police and extradited to Queensland last Thursday.
Magistrate Louise Shephard described the charge as a “terribly serious offence,” outlining allegations that McCann engaged 18-year-old Brisbane sex worker Shauntelle Elizabeth Went to supply two underage girls, aged 14 or 15.
According to the court, police intercepted messages between McCann and Went on May 14, where he allegedly inquired whether she had younger friends who could be involved. That evening, Went and the girls allegedly arrived at a five-star hotel in Brisbane, but the girls did not enter the room.
NSW Police referred the case to Task Force Argos, Queensland Police’s child exploitation unit, which executed a search warrant at McCann’s residence on 8th of July .
The prosecution opposed bail, citing McCann’s financial resources, frequent interstate travel, and risk to the community. The court also heard that McCann’s employment had been terminated.
However, McCann’s lawyer, David Jones, argued that the prosecution’s affidavit was speculative and lacked objectivity. He emphasized that his client had no criminal record and was willing to relocate to Queensland and comply with strict bail conditions.
Magistrate Shephard acknowledged the strength of the prosecution’s case but ruled that the risks of reoffending or fleeing could be mitigated. McCann was granted bail under conditions including an overnight curfew and a restriction to one mobile phone without encrypted apps.
Shauntelle Went was also granted bail. Both cases will be mentioned in court again on 4th of August
