Cranbrook School gardener arrested on child abuse material charges
A 28-year-old Cranbrook School gardener was arrested Thursday after a US tip about child abuse material.
Edward Charles Reynolds Warnes, 28, was arrested at a Rydalmere address on Thursday. The National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children reported child abuse material uploaded online.
AFP investigators linked this activity to Warnes. Warnes worked as a gardener at Cranbrook School since February 2026.
Electronic devices seized from his home allegedly contained child abuse material. It showed real children and animated children.
The school's head confirmed Cranbrook is not part of the investigation. There is no evidence this relates to any students.
Warnes' working with children check has been suspended. The school said it remains strongly committed to keeping children safe.
- Edward Charles Reynolds Warnes, 28
- Suspect
- February 2026
- When hired
- Cranbrook School, Sydney
- School location
Why it mattersRaises serious questions about background checks for contractors at schools. This matters even at exclusive institutions.
Corroborated byafp.gov.au·theage.com.au
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