A 25-year-old childcare worker accused of slapping two sleeping children was experiencing a temporary deterioration in his mental health, a court has heard.
The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been charged with two counts of common assault after police allege he struck the children with an open palm while they were napping.
He had been employed at a childcare centre in Panania, in Sydney's southwest, until his arrest shortly before 8am on Saturday at a nearby address in Belmore.
Appearing in court on Sunday, prosecutors opposed bail, arguing he posed a danger to the community, particularly children. The prosecutor claimed CCTV footage had captured the alleged incident, according to News Corp.
His defence lawyer described the night he spent in custody as a 'wake-up call', emphasising that the man was vulnerable due to his lack of experience with the justice system. The lawyer also noted that the accused has a wife and the couple are financially responsible for family members abroad.
Bail was granted on the condition that he surrender his passport, report to police weekly, and undergo mental health treatment. He is also prohibited from entering any childcare centres or airports.
The case is scheduled to return to court on May 9.
