Former Commonwealth Bank Executive Christopher McCann Granted Bail in Child Grooming Case

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Former Commonwealth Bank executive Christopher James McCann has been granted bail after being charged with attempting to procure underage girls for sex, prompting renewed scrutiny of child protection measures and institutional accountability. The 50-year-old’s case, heard in Brisbane Arrests Court, has raised alarm about the systemic challenges in preventing child exploitation.

McCann was arrested by New South Wales Police at Sydney Airport and extradited to Queensland on 9 July 2025. He faces one count of using electronic communication with intent to procure a child under 16 for a sexual act. The charge relates to an alleged incident in May 2024, in which McCann is accused of contacting 18-year-old sex worker Shauntelle Elizabeth Went to arrange a meeting involving two underage girls, aged 14 and 15.

According to court documents, McCann met Went and the girls at a five-star hotel in Brisbane’s CBD, agreed on a price, and allegedly asked the girls to leave via the hotel’s front desk. There is no allegation that the girls entered his room. The matter was referred to Task Force Argos, Queensland Police’s child exploitation unit, which executed a search warrant on his Queensland property following his arrest.

Magistrate Louise Shephard described the charge as “terribly serious”. The prosecution opposed bail, citing McCann’s interstate ties and financial resources as potential flight risks. However, his defence barrister, David Jones KC, criticised the police affidavit as “speculative”, arguing there was no evidence of physical contact, and that McCann had no prior criminal history. “They speculate when there is nothing there,” he told the court, according to 9News. Jones also stated that McCann’s assets had been frozen and that he was now unemployed.

Magistrate Shephard granted McCann bail under strict conditions, including an overnight curfew, a restriction to one mobile phone without encrypted messaging apps, and no contact with minors, except for his two sons. He must remain in Queensland and is banned from interstate travel without court approval.

Shauntelle Went was also charged and granted bail with her own conditions. Both cases are scheduled for mention on 4 August 2025.

Detective Acting Inspector Cameron Burke of Task Force Argos said in a statement to The Nightly: “We are constantly online, working tirelessly to identify and apprehend offenders.” Child protection advocates argue the case highlights the need for more rigorous vetting and regulation within institutions to prevent individuals in positions of power from exploiting vulnerable children.