A prominent Sydney barrister who had been charged with child abuse material offences has been found dead.
NSW Police said Mark Dennis SC was located deceased inside his inner west Sydney home at about 7:30pm on Monday.
His death comes three weeks after he was arrested upon arriving in Australia from Cambodia.
Dennis was charged with possessing child abuse material and two counts of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, after Australian Border Force officers intercepted him and examined his luggage at Sydney International Airport.
Police alleged child abuse material and “sexualised conversations with and about minors” were located on his phone.
He was also charged with one count of intentionally importing prohibited goods.
Dennis had not entered pleas to the charges and was scheduled to appear in court on March 18.
He was granted bail on January 21 and walked out of Surry Hills Police Station that day.
It was alleged he was in possession of one image of a young boy and had participated in “chats” about sexual activity with young boys.
During a bail hearing last month, Commonwealth prosecutor Jon Kisch told the court that material captured by the AFP included an image of a younger boy described as being “aged six to 10 years”.
Kisch told the court the chats Dennis is alleged to have been involved in were “very disturbing”.
As part of his bail conditions, Dennis was required to report to police five days a week, surrender his passport and refrain from entering any airport or international departure point.
Police confirmed a report will be prepared for the coroner.
If this story raises concern for you or someone you know, support is available.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
Images: Instagram
