Prominent criminal barrister Mark Dennis SC, 60, has been found dead at his home in Leichhardt, Sydney, after being charged with child abuse material offences. Police discovered his body at 7.30pm on Monday, according to reports.
Dennis was arrested at Sydney Airport in January after returning from South-East Asia. Australian Border Force officers searched his luggage and electronic devices, allegedly finding child abuse material and sexualised conversations with and about minors. He was charged with possessing, distributing, and importing child abuse material.
The Australian Federal Police stated that the matter was referred for investigation after intelligence-led screening. A search warrant was executed at Dennis' home, where further devices were seized. He was granted bail during a court appearance on January 21.
Dennis had been practising at Forbes Chambers, Sydney's top criminal law chambers, until his arrest. His lawyer told the court he would stop practising immediately. Dennis also co-founded the charity Reasonable Causes, which supported disadvantaged Cambodians, but one partner organisation has since rejected funding from the group.
