Perth babysitter faces almost 200 child abuse charges after police identify nine more alleged victims
An alleged child rapist who advertised babysitting services on Perth Facebook groups has been charged with 190 new offences, including 27 of sexual penetration of a child under 13, as police alleged he abused nine more victims.
Child abuse squad detectives arrested and charged Jareth Thomas Harries-Markham, 23, with nine child sex offences in August, including sexual penetration of a child under 13 and five counts of indecently dealing with a child under 13.
Jareth Thomas Harries-Markham.
Just days before his arrest, Mr Harries-Markham was advertising his services to Perth parents on babysitter and nannying Facebook groups, claiming he had up to 10 years experience and a working with children check.
At Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, police read out 190 new charges including 27 new charges of sexual penetration of a child under 13 and nearly 70 of indecent dealing with children under 13.
The new victims were identified during the police investigation and bring the total number of children allegedly abused by Mr Harries-Markham up to 12. The alleged victims were aged between eight months and nine years old.
Mr Harries-Markham will also face 89 charges of indecently recording a child under 13 and two charges of procuring, encouraging or inciting a child under 13 to do an indecent act.
The new charges expand the timeline of the alleged offending, with police claiming some of the additional offences took place as early as July 2020.
Police earlier alleged that between June and August 2021, Mr Harries-Markham indecently dealt with three children, and while babysitting a baby less than a year old he sexually assaulted and took a series of photographs and videos of the child.
A police search of his Bennett Springs home allegedly uncovered child exploitation material as well as a number of gel blasters and “edged weaponsâ€, which he is also facing 10 charges over.
Mr Harries-Markham is next due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on October 18, facing a total of 204 charges.
Anyone with information on these alleged incidents, or any similar incidents, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
If you are or have been a victim of sexual abuse, or if you have information about someone being abused, please contact police on 131 444.
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