A former Langwarrin Park Primary School principal has been jailed after pleading guilty to offences involving child abuse material, with court orders meaning he can be released after serving three months.
Richard John Barren, 50, received a 16-month sentence in the County Court, according to media reports, with release eligible after a minimum of three months under a recognisance release order.
Case background
STPL News first reported the case in January 2025, when parents were told the school principal had been charged over the alleged possession of child abuse material and an acting principal was appointed. At the time, the Department of Education said there was no information suggesting any student at the school had been impacted by the alleged offending.
Related story: Langwarrin Park Primary School Principal Charged With Possessing Child Abuse Material
Media reports say the matter began when Australian Border Force officers detected child abuse material on a phone during a baggage inspection at Melbourne Airport in January 2025 after Barren returned from the United States. Reports also say additional material was later located during the investigation, including from a second phone seized in a search of his home.
Media reporting has also stated there is no evidence any school students were depicted in the material.
Community reaction
The sentencing outcome has sparked strong reaction locally, including in online community discussion, where some residents questioned how the minimum time in custody could be three months.
One commenter wrote:
“It’s actually unbelievable isn’t it!!! What the actual?? How does this even happen!”
Another said:
“I just can’t believe it and he’s allowed out in the community!”
Several posts described the sentence as too lenient and raised concerns about child safety.
What the court order means
Media reports say Barren was sentenced to 16 months’ jail, with a recognisance release order allowing release after three months.
A recognisance release order is a type of order that can allow someone to be released subject to conditions, rather than serving the full sentence in custody.
STPL News invites readers to share their views on the sentencing outcome and whether they believe the penalty reflects the seriousness of the offence.
Do you think the sentence is appropriate, or should penalties in cases like this be tougher?
