Michael Cunnington to face trial over historical sex charges

A former Hackham West schoolteacher will face trial over a number of alleged historical sex offences over three decades, involving children as young as seven.

A former southern suburbs schoolteacher will face trial over a number of historical sex charges that are alleged to have occurred between 1979 and 1990.

Michael Cunnington declined to comment as he left the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday after pleading not guilty to all his charges, which include a number of child sex offences relating to maintaining an unlawful relationship with a child and aggravated indecent assault.

Michael Cunnington leaves the Adelaide Magistrates Court where he is facing child sex charges against at least seven victims. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Court documents allege between 1979 and 1990, Mr Cunnington indecently assaulted and exposed himself to several children under the age of 18, some as young as seven.

Police allege between 1979 and 1981, Mr Cunnington indecently assaulted a young girl in Murray Bridge by putting his hand up her skirt.

It is further alleged that between 1982 and 1983, Mr Cunnington indecently assaulted a child by “pinching her buttocks” on two occasions while at a school swimming event.

According to court documents, police also allege in 1987 Mr Cunnington exposed his penis and pushed an alleged victim into his genitalia in a Hackham West classroom on more than one occasion.

It is also alleged that in 1990, Mr Cunnington did not wear underwear in front of students on multiple occasions.

Mr Cunnington will face court again in September.