Christopher James McCann, a former senior executive at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), was found dead just 48 hours after being charged with attempting to procure an underage girl for a sexual act.
The 50-year-old, a married father of two, had been living a relatively quiet life in Curl Curl, Sydney, while holding the position of Head of Health and Social Infrastructure at CBA for the past 11 months.
However, behind the scenes, the New South Wales Police and its Sex Crimes Squad, under the Strike Force Coalhurst, had been investigating McCann since March. Authorities alleged that he had tried to arrange sexual encounters with teenage girls during a business trip to Brisbane. The case was referred to Queensland’s child exploitation unit, Taskforce Argos.
The months-long investigation culminated in McCann’s arrest at Sydney Airport on July 10 and his extradition to Queensland.
On July 14, McCann appeared before Brisbane Arrests Court and was formally charged with using the internet to procure a child under the age of 16 for a sexual act. He was granted bail and ordered to reappear in court on August 4.
Two days later, on July 16, McCann’s body was discovered in Springbrook National Park, a remote bushwalking and tourist area in the Gold Coast hinterland. Queensland Police confirmed the death was non-suspicious and that a report would be prepared for the Coroner.
Allegations in Court
In court, police outlined allegations that McCann had developed an online relationship with Shauntelle Elizabeth Went, a sex worker. While organizing to see her in Brisbane in May, he allegedly inquired if she had any “younger friends” who could accompany her.
The presiding magistrate, Louise Shepherd, summarized police claims that McCann had agreed on a price to engage with Went and two underage girls, aged 14 and 15, at the Sofitel Hotel. However, it was not alleged that the minors actually entered his hotel room.
Following his arrest, CBA confirmed that McCann was no longer employed at the bank. Police also froze his financial accounts. Prosecutors opposed bail, citing risk of reoffending and concerns for public safety.
Despite these concerns, Magistrate Shepherd granted McCann bail with strict conditions, including:
- Living with a university lecturer friend in Mudgeeraba, roughly 20km from Springbrook
- No contact with minors, except his own children
- Abstaining from alcohol and illicit drugs
- Weekly reporting to police
- Use of only one mobile phone
Legal Disputes
McCann’s barrister, David Jones KC, challenged aspects of the prosecution’s evidence, claiming the police affidavits were speculative and lacked objectivity. He criticized a psychological report submitted by police that was based on an expert who had not assessed McCann personally.
Jones argued that factors which should have worked in McCann’s favor — such as no prior criminal record, no substance abuse, and a stable professional background — were instead being used against him.
His co-accused, Shauntelle Went, was also granted bail. The court heard that she receives a disability support pension and earns money via OnlyFans, but does not engage in in-person sex work.
Both McCann and Went were scheduled to return to court on August 4.
