Christopher James McCann, 50, appeared in Brisbane Arrest Court on Monday to apply for bail after being charged with one count of using the internet to procure children aged under 16.
Share this @internewscast.com

A Commonwealth Bank executive accused of grooming underage girls for sex has been granted bail after being extradited interstate.

Christopher James McCann, aged 50, made an appearance in Brisbane Arrest Court today, seeking bail following his charge of using the internet to engage children under 16.

The Sydney-based McCann was extradited to Queensland on Thursday night after being arrested by NSW Police.

Christopher James McCann, 50, appeared in Brisbane Arrest Court on Monday to apply for bail after being charged with one count of using the internet to procure children aged under 16.
Christopher James McCann, 50, appeared in Brisbane Arrest Court on Monday to apply for bail. (AAP)

McCann described himself online as a corporate finance executive with more than 20 years of experience.

Magistrate Louise Shephard informed McCann that he faced a “terribly serious offence” accusation, involving allegedly hiring Brisbane sex worker, Shauntelle Elizabeth Went, 18, to provide services involving two girls, aged 14 or 15.

“You travelled interstate frequently. You formed some kind of connection with (Went). On May 14, police intercepted messages between you and she. 

“The allegation is you … queried her about whether she had younger friends that she worked with.”

Generic scenes of Commonwealth Bank of Australia logo and words, CBA, Banking, office buildings. Monday 13th Janusry 2025 AFR photo Louie Douvis
A Commonwealth Bank executive accused of grooming underage girls for sex has been granted bail after being extradited interstate. (Louie Douvis)

McCann stood in the dock looking either down or straight ahead during his appearance.

Shephard said McCann was accused of making an arrangement and agreeing on price to use Went’s services alongside two underage girls.

“Later the evening Went and the girls attended (a Brisbane CBD five-star hotel),” Shephard said.

“The two girls went to the room and you contacted the front desk to ask them to leave. It is not alleged the girls entered the room.

“The case was passed on by NSW Police to Task Force Argos (the Queensland Police child exploitation unit) and on July 8, they carried out a search warrant at your residence.”

A prosecutor opposed bail based on the risk of McCann offending while on bail and the risk to the welfare of the community.

“He lives in NSW. He is a flight risk. He has financial capacity from his previous employment,” the prosecutor said.

Shephard said McCann’s employment had been terminated.

McCann’s barrister David Jones said his client’s assets would be frozen.

Jones said the police’s affidavit on why his client should be denied bail was speculative and if convicted, he might not face a custodial sentence.

“They are unprofessional. They lack compete objectivity … they speculate when there is nothing there. It goes so far as fortune telling,” he said.

Jones said McCann had no prior criminal record and was willing to abide by a range of conditions including living in Queensland during the court proceedings.

Shephard said she believed there was strength to the prosecution’s case against McCann, but the risks of him committing offences or absconding while on bail could be reduced with conditions.

McCann was granted bail on conditions including an overnight curfew and being limited to one mobile phone with no encrypted applications.

Jones declined to comment as he left court.

Went was also granted bail on today.

The charges against Went and McCann are set to be mentioned in court again on August 4. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tim Merlier Secures Another Stage Victory in Tour de France; Mathieu van der Poel’s Attempts Thwarted

Tim Merlier clinched victory in stage nine of the Tour de France…
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers during an address at the National Press Club on 18 June, 2025.

Private Recommendations Urge Government to Increase Taxes

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has attempted to downplay Treasury advice suggesting the government…
Two women killed in church shooting

Church Shooting Results in the Death of Two Women

One woman aged 72 and another aged 32 have been killed in…

Hannah Thomas’ attorney claims police assaulted her and legal action may be pursued.

Lawyers for a former Greens candidate who suffered a serious eye injury…

Israeli Strike on Gaza Water Facility Results in At Least Eight Deaths, Including Children

At least eight Palestinians, most of them children, lost their lives in…
Bus driver allegedly stabbed in Caloundra

Urgent Appeal for Action Following Passenger’s Stabbing of Bus Driver in the Throat

Warning: This story contains graphic content. A bus driver is recovering from…

Commemorating 30 Years Since the Srebrenica Genocide

Rukija Avdić cries as she recalls the night 30 years ago when…
German backpacker Carolina Wilga in hospital.

Saved German Traveler Explains Her Decision to Leave Car in Western Australia Wilderness

Carolina Wilga, the German backpacker who endured 12 days lost in the…
Australian travellers warned over high passport costs

Australian Travelers Alerted to Elevated Passport Fees

As the cold of winter sets in, those eager for a trip…
The mangled car remained on scene in Roxburgh Park while detectives investigated.

Police investigate weapon after car crash victim discovered with gunshot wound

Police are searching parklands for a weapon after a man was found…
Trump's stunning attack on his own 'selfish' MAGA base

Trump’s Shocking Criticism of His ‘Self-Centered’ MAGA Supporters

US President Donald Trump has vigorously defended Attorney-General Pam Bondi following some…
'Stupid and reckless': Killer struck elderly man then left him to die at roadside

Negligent Actions: Killer Hit Elderly Man and Abandoned Him at Roadside

A killer could be out of jail within two years after admitting…