Dozens more alleged victims may finally get closure as one of Australia’s most notorious pedophiles is slapped with hundreds of child abuse charges.
Days after being extradited from Queensland to NSW, Ashley Paul Griffith, 48, was on Friday hit with 202 charges dating from between 2014 and 2017, after a tireless and traumatic investigation.
The Queensland man was working at a childcare centre in Sydney’s inner west at the time of the alleged offending, which included dozens of alleged rapes against children between one and five.
Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett said charging Griffith, who is serving life in prison, with further alleged offending could help potential victims.
“There’s no other word for it, it’s actually horrific,” she said.
“We’re talking about the sexual abuse of small children over an extended period of time … and it is quite horrific, not only horrific for the victims, but also their families as well.
“These victims have experienced something no one else is likely to have ever experienced and hopefully unlikely will ever actually experience in the future.”
The child abuse squad commander thanked witnesses, alleged victims and detectives for their work in preparing the challenging but “airtight” case.
Police are extending every assistance to those involved, Det Supt Howlett said.
Griffith was jailed for life in Queensland in November 2024 after he pleaded guilty to more than 300 child sexual offences against nearly 70 victims.
The fresh charges from NSW include 68 counts of rape of a child aged less than 10 and 42 counts of aggravated rape of a child aged less than 10 who was under his authority.
Other charges include 69 counts of aggravated indecent assault and 23 charges of producing child abuse material, pertaining to 23 young people.
He was charged while being held in Silverwater Correctional Complex in Sydney.
Griffith did not apply for bail in a brief court appearance on Friday.
Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree said the lengthy investigation included collaboration with police across the nation.
“The allegations before the court are deeply disturbing and involve some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” he said.
Griffith arrived in NSW on Wednesday.
In Queensland, he admitted to assaulting and filming young girls over the course of years while working at childcare centres.
His transfer was approved by a Brisbane magistrate earlier in October, where victims’ supporters yelled insults at the rapist as he stood in the dock for the decision.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
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