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
Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Michelle Bullock during a press conference

RBA Suggests Further Easing Following Long-Awaited Rate Reduction

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has wrapped up five weeks of…
Australia calls for aid to enter Gaza amid 'unimaginable' suffering

Australia Seeks Assistance for Entry Into Gaza Amidst ‘Unthinkable’ Hardships

Australia, along with a broad coalition of allies, has expressed deep concern…
A prolonged marine heatwave has caused the worst coral bleaching event on record for Western Australia, according to a new scientific report.

Record-Breaking Coral Bleaching Hits WA Following Intense Marine Heatwave

A prolonged marine heatwave has caused the worst coral bleaching event on…
Mt Isa

‘Ample Evidence’ for Triple Murder Cold Case Inquest in Queensland

An inquiry into the murder of three friends during a holiday 46…
U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media as he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club in Turnberry, Scotland, Monday, July 28, 2025.

Australia Gains AUKUS Support as Politicians Unite to Address Trump

Politicians from both major parties in the United States are urging the…
Aaron Drooger US immigration ESTA story

Aaron Falsely Accused of Overstaying in the US for a Decade

It seems that US immigration might have overlooked tracking some Australian travelers…

RBA Anticipated to Announce Third Interest Rate Reduction This Year

You’d be forgiven for having a sense of deja vu today, given…

Federal Court Rules Apple and Google Violated Australian Competition Laws

Tech giants Apple and Google have been found to have engaged in…
Body of hiker who went missing four weeks ago found in Pyrenees

Remains of Hiker Missing for Four Weeks Discovered in the Pyrenees

Spanish search and rescue teams have found the body of an American…

Israeli Airstrikes Escalate on Gaza City, Reports Emergency Services

Gaza’s civil defence agency said Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City have intensified…

RBA Meeting: Economists and Major Banks Anticipate a Rate Cut – Here’s Why

As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) prepares to unveil its new…

“Banks Pass on Rate Cuts as Reserve Bank Reduces Interest to 3.6%”

All of Australia’s ‘big four’ banks have vowed to pass on the…