West Australian teacher sentenced to over six years for child abuse

A former West Australian teacher who sexually abused several children while he was minding them at their homes has been sentenced to more than six years in prison.

WARNING: This story contains distressing content.

Kurt David Charlton, 29, touched the children and took indecent photos of his victims, who were all under the age of 13. The offences occurred in 2024 and 2025, mostly at the children's suburban Perth homes, a court heard.

Judge Martin Flynn said Charlton's babysitting services, which he conducted while working as a teacher, were motivated by sexual gratification.

The judge said parents of the children felt betrayed by Charlton's actions, and he referred to the victim impact statement of one father, who said there was likely to be a lifelong impact on his daughter.

Charlton had pleaded guilty to 27 charges involving nine victims, including indecent dealing with a child under 13, and indecently recording a child.

Sitting in the dock, the 29-year-old wept during the sentencing.

'Confronting' photos of children

The court heard Charlton used force to manipulate the naked body of an 18-month-old girl so he could take photos which the judge described as "confronting".

The District Court also heard how Charlton had photos of naked and clothed children in his possession which focused on their groin areas.

He took photos when the children were using the toilet, and had images of his hand holding a child's underwear.

He also set up his phone so he could record himself and a victim in a pool, and at another home, he captured images of a boy and girl in their bathroom.

He had also taken photos of two children he was babysitting at a public toilet, and of a clothed girl at a school, focusing on her groin.

'No excuse' for offence

The court heard Charlton had referenced his qualifications, a police clearance and his Working with Children (WWC) card when seeking babysitting jobs.

He had advertised his services online, telling one parent he wanted to "have fun" with kids, and did not want to mind the child if they were asleep.

The court heard he was dux of his high school, had excelled at university and had worked in engineering before switching to teaching.

Defence lawyer Max Crispe said Charlton had been able to control his sexual interest in minors until it "became an issue".

Mr Crispe said there was "no excuse for this very serious offending".

First-time dad

Charlton, who has diabetes type 1, became a father just before he went into custody in 2025.

For each offence, Charlton was given sentences ranging from 18 months to two-and-a-half years.

Judge Flynn said the total effective sentence would be six-and-a-half years, after taking into account Charlton's early guilty pleas.

He will be eligible for parole after serving four years and six months.

The Education Department had terminated Charlton's employment and cancelled his teacher registration when concerns were first raised by WA Police last year.