Magistrate’s son accused of 100 child sex offences to face higher court
The son of a sitting Queensland magistrate accused of more than 100 child sex offences has been moved to a higher court.
A Queensland magistrate’s son charged with more than 100 sex offences relating to multiple children will face a higher court.
Gold Coast man Cooper Mitchell Bamberry, 23, has had his matters committed to the District Court after a short hearing in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.
Mr Bamberry is accused, among a string of other offences, of rape, grooming, stupefying a child to commit a crime and involving a child in the making of child exploitation material.
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He is the son of Queensland magistrate Mark Bamberry.
The senior Mr Bamberry was appointed as a magistrate in August, 2022 and presides in Southport Magistrates Court on the Gold Coast.
His 23-year-old son was arrested following a police appeal in March 2025 for information regarding serious sexual offending against a child.
He was arrested the same month and initially charged with nine offences against one child.
Following an analysis of electronic devices seized at the time of his arrest, Mr Bamberry has been charged with a further 120 child sex abuse offences.
His alleged crimes include 45 counts of using the internet to procure children under 16; 31 counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 (procure to commit); 10 counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16; seven counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 (indecent filming); six counts of carnal knowledge of children under 16; five counts of rape; four counts of procuring young persons for carnal knowledge; three counts each of unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassment or abuse involving a child in making child exploitation material and grooming a child under 16 (expose to indecent matter); two counts each of engaging in penile intercourse with a child under 16, indecent treatment of a child under 16 (expose), grooming a child under 16 (facilitate procurement of child to engage in sexual act), and distributing child exploitation material; and one count each of possessing child exploitation material, threats to distribute intimate images/ recordings, stupefying in order to commit an indictable offence, and sexual assault.
On Monday, the court was closed as one witness, whose identity cannot be revealed, gave evidence before a committal hearing.
Upon their evidence, Mr Bamberry’s solicitor Adam Guest consented to the case being brought before the District Court, without the need to consider any material.
When asked by deputy chief magistrate Stephen Courtney if he wished to say anything to his charges, Mr Cooper simply replied, “No thank you, Your Honour”.
His matter was adjourned to the District Court with a date yet to be determined.
Mr Bamberry was initially granted bail but was returned to custody following his arrest on the additional charges.
He remains in custody on remand.
Originally published as Magistrate’s son accused of 100 child sex offences to face higher court
