Joshua Dale Brown: Childcare worker accused of abuse pleads not guilty to sex offences
Suspected child molester Joshua Dale Brown told the court he was prepared to plead guilty to “a significant portion of the guilt” as his case went to trial.
Mr Brown, 27, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon where he formally pleaded guilty to 153 charges.
The former childcare worker was first charged in May last year before police laid dozens of charges in December.
Mr Brown is alleged to have sexually abused multiple children between March 2019 and February 2025 at four childcare centers in Melbourne.
He is accused of crimes such as sexual touching of a child, sexual intercourse with a child, producing child abuse material and bestiality unrelated to child care centres.
His lawyer, Rishi Nathwani KC, said the court’s efforts to negotiate with prosecutors were “exhausted” and the assistance of the District Court would be needed to determine the charges.
“What I can say is that while Mr. Brown admitted to a pretty significant portion of the blame, the real issue is … what does that mean in terms of the charges,” he said.
Mr. Nathwani described his not-guilty plea as a “holding plea” until the charges are resolved.
In court, S.C. Prosecutor Michael Stanton said three new charges had recently been filed and six had been withdrawn, bringing the total to 153.
According to the Victorian Government, Mr Brown worked at 23 childcare centers between January 2017 and May 2025. A list of these centers has been published on the Internet.
Health officials recommended health screenings for nearly 2,000 children after the alleged crimes came to light.
When asked how he responded to the accusations, Mr. Brown responded; “Not guilty, Your Honor.”
Mr Brown was remanded in custody to appear in the District Court for a directions hearing on 23 June.
