Joshua Dale Brown, a former childcare worker accused of abusing children at multiple Melbourne childcare centres, appeared via video link in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Brown has been charged with 156 offences, including s*xual assault and child abuse-related crimes involving young children. His lawyer told the court Brown intended to admit to the offending once the matter moves to the County Court, describing the current not-guilty pleas as procedural “holding pleas.” Brown remains in custody at Barwon Prison while prosecutors prepare the case. Authorities say the investigation spans 23 childcare centres across Melbourne between 2017 and 2025.