Private school teacher allegedly groomed child while at work
A Sydney private school teacher is accused of using his mobile phone to groom a child while at work.
Strike Force Trawler detectives charged the 39-year-old, who works at a Trinity Grammar School in Sydney's inner west, following an investigation into alleged online grooming.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit began engaging online with a man from Sydney's southwest earlier this month.
They will allege in court that he believed he was speaking to a 13-year-old girl, and took part in conversations about sexually explicit acts and sent sexually explicit images.
It's claimed he was engaging in the conversations on his mobile phone while at work.
Strike force detectives arrested a man at Summer Hill just before 3pm on Thursday.
Shortly after, police searched a home at Padstow Heights where they seized clothing and electronic devices, which will undergo further examination.
The man has been charged with using a carriage service to send indecent material to a person under 16 and to solicit child abuse material.
He was refused bail to appear before Burwood Local Court on Friday.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Tim Bowden, the headmaster of Trinity Grammar School, said in a statement the school is “cooperating with NSW Police following the arrest of a member of its Summer Hill teaching staff.”
“The police have informed the School that there is no suggestion that offences have been committed against students of the School,” he said.
Pastoral support is being provided to staff and students.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
