A music teacher from Sydney's prestigious Newington College has been charged with serious child grooming offences after allegedly offering to pay a teenage girl for sexual material. Benjamin David Collinge, aged 29, was arrested during an early morning police raid at his mother's residence in Beecroft, located in the city's north-western suburbs.
Police Investigation and Arrest Details
The arrest occurred at precisely 5:45 AM on Thursday, following an intensive investigation by Strike Force Trawler, a specialised sex crimes unit. Authorities initiated their probe just eight days prior, after receiving a disturbing report concerning a man who had allegedly attempted to persuade a 14-year-old girl to send explicit material in exchange for monetary compensation.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Following the raid on the Beecroft property, Collinge was transported to Gladesville Police Station, where he was formally charged. The charges include using a carriage service to groom a child under the age of 16 for sexual activity, and using a carriage service to access child abuse material. Collinge was subsequently refused bail and is scheduled to appear before Burwood Local Court.
Background of the Accused
Benjamin David Collinge is a former student of Newington College, having graduated in 2014. He later returned to the institution as a music teacher, working across its various campuses. Newington College is an exclusive Pre-K to Year 12 boarding school with campuses in Stanmore, Eungai Creek, and Lindfield, where annual fees exceed $48,000.
Collinge's involvement with the school was recently acknowledged in a 2025 school newsletter, which thanked him for assisting with a concert at the primary school campus. Footage from the arrest showed Collinge being escorted from the $2 million Beecroft home, wearing a distinctive $190 Palace Caveman shirt.
Institutional Context and Community Impact
The case has sent shockwaves through the educational community, highlighting concerns about safeguarding and the conduct of staff within elite private institutions. Newington College, with its high fees and extensive boarding facilities, now faces scrutiny regarding its hiring practices and internal monitoring systems.
Strike Force Trawler's investigation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and grooming activities. The rapid response from the sex crimes squad, leading to an arrest within eight days of the initial report, demonstrates the priority placed on protecting vulnerable minors from such predatory behaviour.
