Knox teacher’s alleged ‘hot’ text to 15yo
William Roberto Gulson, 27, appeared at a bail hearing in Sydney on Saturday charged with child grooming over his alleged communications with a 15-year-old.
Gulson was arrested at Wahroonga on Friday and taken to Hornsby Police Station where he was charged with one count of procuring or grooming a child under 16 for unlawful sexual activity.
Earlier this month, police began an investigation into allegations a man had groomed a child online.
Mr Gulson appeared in Parramatta Local Court via videolink from Surry Hills Police Station, appearing on screen wearing a jacket bearing the Knox Grammar logo and with his hands bound by handcuffs.
The court heard the complainant in the matter was in Year 9 and 15 years old.
The court was told that Mr Gulson told the complainant: “Sorry dude, I feel super conflicted, do you find it hot that you are as old as some of my students.”
According to court documents, the alleged offence occurred in a 48-hour period between August 25 and 27.
Mr Gulson knew the teen’s age at the time, at the court was told.
The court heard evidence of the communication was found on his phone, which police seized during his arrest.
Gulson’s Legal Aid lawyer, Edward Gilson, told the court the alleged offences were a result of “effective vigilantism” and “entrapment”.
“There isn’t a suggestion of a pattern of behaviour,” Mr Gilson told the court.
The case against Mr Gulson was described as an “extremely strong prosecution case”, with prosecutors opposing his release on bail citing the risk of further offences and the safety of the community.
He was released on bail under a string of conditions including that he not contact anyone under 18 and not enter or loiter around Knox Grammar.
He must also surrender his passport and not enter an airport.
In a letter to parents, Knox Grammar principal Scott James said that Mr Gulson’s employment had been terminated.
“I am writing to inform you that late this afternoon a senior school teacher was charged by police in relation to allegations of online grooming of a minor,” he wrote.
“When this was brought to our attention, the teacher concerned was immediately removed from the school and his employment was terminated.
“We are only now able to write to you because the teacher has been charged, but we remain restricted in what we can say because of the ongoing investigation by police.”
Mr Gulson will return to court later this month.
