A former substitute teacher who allegedly had sex with a student at least three times in her car, has been found guilty of serious misconduct by the teacher’s Disciplinary Tribunal, according to court records. The teacher, whose name has been suppressed, was charged in September 2022 and her case was heard by the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC).
Months before the hearing, the teacher denied the allegations, claiming she was “blackmailed” by other students. She stated that every allegation against her was false, and that students made first contact with her on social media, using fake accounts in an attempt to blackmail her. However, the Tribunal said that aside from some signs of blackmail, the teacher had not advanced anything further in any real detail which may support her defense.
During the hearing, the CAC heard that the teacher and the student shared flirty jokes at school before messaging each other on social media, where they discussed the potential of meeting outside of school. Over a period of two to three months, the teacher is said to have provided alcohol and cigarettes to the young boy on at least five occasions. Following this, the two would drive to remote locations in her car, where they allegedly had sex. This happened on three occasions.
The student, who was in Year 12 at the time, ended the relationship after feeling that what was happening was wrong, and blocked the teacher on social media.
The woman claimed that she hadn’t been given a proper opportunity to defend herself, but the Tribunal said multiple attempts had been made to involve her in proceedings. The investigation was carried out by the Teachers Council, who interviewed the 17-year-old student. The Council found that the student was embarrassed by the allegations, but felt that the relationship had occurred.
The Teachers Tribunal found that the woman had engaged in serious misconduct, and as a result, she was stripped of her teaching registration, censured, and fined $727.50. The Tribunal acknowledged there were some signs of blackmail, but said that aside from that, the teacher had not provided any cogent evidence that may go to a motive to lie, reduce credibility or reliability.
The teacher had asked for her name to be suppressed to protect her new career and family life. This request was initially denied but was later granted so the student’s identity could be protected. Sexual relationships with students are considered serious misconduct, according to the CAC. The committee’s decision regarding the case stood.
