Blue Mountains Circus School Charged With Producing Child Porn

Two men, four women, and one 17-year-old girl from a circus school in Australia's Blue Mountains have been charged with sexually assaulting three young boys. According to both Fairfax and News Corp, the abuse took place over two years, between 2014 and 2016, and includes kidnap, assault causing bodily harm, rape, and the production of child pornography.

The Daily Telegraph has also described the abuse as incorporating “blood rituals.”

On Monday morning at 7AM, seven people were arrested by the NSW Police at their homes in Canterbury, Katoomba, and Wentworthville. All are involved with the Arcade Circus—a circus training school in Katoomba that advertises itself as “a family friendly environment where students can learn in a safe and fun manor [sic].”

Of those charged, the Circus’ owner, Therese Ann Cook, 58, is receiving the brunt of the accusations. She will appear in the Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, facing 43 charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child under 10 and sexual intercourse with a child under 10.

A 52-year-old man is also facing a range of charges, including making child abuse material with a child under 14.

Among the others charged is a 17-year-old girl accused of aggravated sexual assault, producing child pornography, and aggravated kidnapping. She has been denied bail from the Children’s Court.

The Arcade Circus is situated in a large shed in Katoomba, less than 100 kilometres west of Sydney. Like most of the properties in the area it's on a large bushy block, surrounded by suburban homes.

“The Arcade Circus Blue Mountains runs all ability classes in many different disciplines for all age groups,” reads its website, highlighting that it caters for children living with disabilities. “The class sizes are smaller than usual so one on one training can still be provided to every student throughout the lesson. All students are treated as equals and every student will feel welcome from their first day.”

The caption at the top of the page reads: “The Weirder the Better.”

In Australia, the story broke less than two hours ago. Yet members of the public are already posting furious messages on the business’ Facebook page. “Despicable people, I hope you all get what's coming to you in gaol,” writes one.

Another person simply left a photo of a noose.

None of the phone numbers associated with the school are being answered as of Tuesday morning.