The A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack has admitted himself to a Sydney hospital after he failed to report to police following last Thursday’s arrest and charging for child pornography offences.
It’s understood McCormack admitted himself to the hospital and it is believed to be related to depression and possible self-harm. B&T has contacted Channel Nine, however, the network declined to comment or make any further clarification on the matter.
As part of his strict bail conditions, McCormack cannot access the internet other than for work purposes and he is forbidden going near anyone aged 16 or under. He has also been suspended from North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club where he helped train young surf life savers. Nine has also stood him down indefinitely.
The 25-year veteran at the broadcaster has also had to surrender his passport and must report to police twice a week.
McCormack’s lawyer Sam Macedone told The Daily Telegraph he was unsure of McCormack’s condition or the reason he admitted himself to hospital. He said he would attempt to have his bail conditions changed now that his client was unable to meet with police as required.
“I don’t know what he is being assessed for but I understand he will be there for while,” Macedone said.
“I need to vary some bail reporting conditions because of his impending stay in hospital – but I don’t know what exactly it is about,” he said.
Macedone added that there had been enormous media interest in the story and not all the reporting had been in line with the police’s investigation. “What is being alleged isn’t complete because as I understand it the police are still investigating the matters. I have no idea what the final allegations will be,” he said.
Following police raids on Nine’s ACA offices and McCormack’s home on Thursday morning it has been revealed that McCormack was on a “last strike” at Nine for anti-Semitic comments to a Jewish colleague. He was also a regular user of the gay dating app Grindr and highlighted a preference for dating younger looking men. McCormack will face Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on May 1.
