Canberra teacher accused of child sexual abuse is banned from being alone with children

The ACT Magistrates Court has imposed strict bail conditions on a former Canberra teacher accused of alleged child sex abuse dating back to the 1990s.

David Dempsey, 67, faces a total of eight charges, including three acts of indecency and five of rape.

Dempsey was initially summoned on the charges, but prosecutors took the unusual step of asking that he be released on bail so he would have to adhere to conditions.

They include not going near schools or being in the presence of children without an adult present, as well as staying away from his alleged victim.

The court heard Mr Dempsey also faces charges in New South Wales.

His lawyer Peter Woodhouse told the court he had stopped teaching in 2023 and had his card for working with vulnerable people revoked.

The court heard Mr Dempsey was recently charged in NSW when it emerged he was giving private lessons without a valid card and is also on bail there.

Magistrate Ian Temby told the court he had to accept there was a risk.

“The particular risk arises from the fact that the bail form states that the suspect continued to have one-on-one contact with vulnerable people,” Magistrate Temby said.

The court heard Mr Dempsey is now in Sydney.

His case will return to court in January.