Child abuse detectives have charged a 70-year-old academic after inappropriate images were allegedly displayed by accident during a university lecture earlier this year.

The material was shown during a lecture at an unnamed university in Melbourne’s CBD on February 5, detectives allege. 

The matter was reported to police and an investigation launched.

Victoria Police said officers executed a warrant at a Middle Park address a week after the lecture, seizing multiple electronic items.

Detectives travelled to Sydney to execute a warrant at an eastern suburbs property the following day, seizing further devices. 

The academic has been charged with three counts of possessing child abuse material, one of which is a Commonwealth offence, but it’s not clear when he was charged. 

Police say their investigation into the matter was lengthy.

The 70-year-old is due to face court next week.