A pregnant school worker charged with child abuse offences has been released on bail weeks before she is due to give birth. Lucy Ray McKenzie, 35, is accused of having images on her phone of the sexual assault of a baby aged under 12 months.
Allegations and Arrest
McKenzie, who has been suspended from her job as a receptionist at Gilgandra Public School, was living with her husband and his stepdaughter when she was arrested at their home last month. Officials said she twice tried to stop officers trying to confiscate her mobile phone during the arrest.
She was later charged with four counts of using a carriage service to make available child abuse material, which a court heard related to her alleged use of the Kik messaging and chat app. Police said they linked abuse material activity to an IP address which allegedly belonged to the former teacher.
Bail Conditions
A judge had previously raised concerns about McKenzie having contact with her newborn. Her bail conditions include not going within 100m of a school, pre-school or childcare facility, and not being unaccompanied in the presence of any person aged 16 years or under unless the person is her own child.
McKenzie is also on home detention and not allowed to leave unless in the company of an approved person, to attend court, meetings with legal representatives or get emergency medical treatment. Having a mobile phone or any device with internet access is also prohibited.
Background and Next Steps
Locals said McKenzie was well known under her maiden name, Lucy Scotti, and had worked at a daycare centre in the town before becoming a School Learning Support Officer. She is also charged with hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.
She will face Gilgandra Local Court on September 7, which is around the time she is due to give birth.
