Matthew David Eagleton, a 54-year-old primary school teacher, was arrested last Friday at Amity College's Auburn campus in Sydney, Australia, and subsequently charged with possessing child abuse material and using a carriage service for child abuse material. The charges relate to a period from March 2024 until his arrest, with the latter charge covering May 2024 until the time of his apprehension.
Police initiated an investigation after receiving a report regarding the detection of child abuse material linked to an account holder in Sydney's west. A subsequent search warrant was executed at the school, leading to the seizure of Eagleton's electronic devices. During the raid, officers also reportedly found a small amount of cannabis in Eagleton's vehicle.
Eagleton, who was on bail after his arrest, was confronted by reporters from the Daily Mail on Wednesday morning. When approached on a street in Sydney's inner-west, he covered his face and ran back into the police station where he was reporting. He subsequently offered no comment when asked about the allegations, his employment status at the school, whether he has children, or if he knew who reported him.
Following the confrontation, Eagleton was observed walking away, purchasing a beverage, and then moving through back streets. He was later seen outside a Sydney police station.
Amity College, a non-denominational school with four campuses across Sydney and the Illawarra region, has declined to comment on whether any students have been affected by Eagleton's alleged conduct. The school also did not respond to inquiries about providing assistance to students, parents, or staff.
Eagleton, a resident of Telopea in Sydney's northwest, appeared in court on Saturday and was granted bail. His bail conditions include a ban from entering any school or center for children under 16, a requirement to report to police weekly, and a prohibition from being in the company of anyone under 16 except in the presence of a nominated person. He is also restricted to using and possessing no more than one mobile phone, iPad, or computer, and must provide passwords or PINs to police within 24 hours of taking possession of such a device. He must also provide these devices to police on request and is barred from approaching international departure points, applying for a passport, or possessing any non-prescribed drugs.
Eagleton is scheduled to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on August 18. Strike Force Trawler, the ongoing police operation, is conducted by the State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad Child Exploitation Internet Unit and investigates child sexual abuse and exploitation facilitated online.
Amity College originated in 1994 as the Galaxy Foundation and opened its first campus in Prestons in 1996 as Sule College. It later expanded to include campuses in Auburn, Leppington, and Shellharbour, changing its name to Amity College in 2013 to reflect its multicultural composition. The Auburn campus serves kindergarten to Year 6 students, Prestons hosts primary and secondary students, Illawarra is co-educational from kindergarten to Year 12, and Leppington is a co-educational primary school.