Police Minister Orders New Internal Probe into Handling of 'Australia's Worst Pedophile' Complaints

A new internal investigation has been launched to examine how police handled initial complaints about the behavior of Ashley Paul Griffith, dubbed "Australia's worst pedophile."

Background of the Case

Griffith, a 45-year-old former childcare worker, pleaded guilty to 307 child abuse-related charges in the District Court on Monday. The charges include multiple counts of rape and indecent treatment of young girls across Brisbane between 2007 and 2013 and again from 2018 to 2022.

Initial Complaints and Investigation

Complaints about Griffith's abuse in Queensland were first raised to police in 2021, but he was not arrested until August 2022 when he was initially charged with two counts of making child exploitation material and one count of using a carriage service for child pornography material. Investigators were able to trace objects identified in the background of images and videos – which had been posted on the dark web between 2013 and 2014 – back to a Brisbane childcare centre where Griffith had worked.

New Internal Probe

Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan has now asked police to open a new internal investigation into how the complaints were handled after Griffith's conviction on Monday. "The level of trauma he has inflicted upon so many is almost beyond comprehension," Mr. Ryan said. "Speaking generally, I know police will always do their very best to act upon complaints and conduct thorough investigations to ensure that perpetrators are held to account."

Previous Investigation and Review

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) confirmed that both the 2021 and 2022 complaints were subject to an "internal review" by an independent senior detective with significant child protection experience. The review found that both investigations had been conducted according to QPS policy and concurred with the original findings that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate a criminal offence based on what was known at the time.

Conviction and Sentencing

Griffith pleaded guilty to 307 charges, including 190 counts of indecent treatment of children, 67 counts of making child exploitation material, 28 counts of rape, and other offences. The charges cover offending in childcare centres across the Brisbane region as well as in Pisa, Italy.

Support Services

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence, contact:

• National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
• 24-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588
• Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937
• National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578)
• SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090
• Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817
• Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122
• Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1
• Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or the Don’t Become That Man helpline on 1300 243 413