Whyalla teacher Nathan Fenwick who attempted to lure student for sex will be tested for autism

A Whyalla teacher who bombarded a student with messages of love and “disgusting photos” will be tested for autism – after a judge said a report concerned him.

A Whyalla teacher who preyed on a young teenage student by relentlessly messaging him will be tested for autism, a court heard.

Nathan Andrew Fenwick, 27, is at real risk of jail after he used his position of trust to commit the ultimate act of betrayal on the young boy.

Fenwick was due to face sentencing submissions in the Adelaide District Court on Wednesday, but Tim Dibden, for Fenwick, asked for further adjournment so he could be tested for autism.

“There is no doubt that Mr Fenwick is at serious risk of a term of imprisonment to be served,” he said.

“I am anxious to determine whether he in fact does or would satisfy a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.”

A prosecutor said the delay was regrettable, as the victim was anxious to get the matter finalised.

Nathan Fenwick hides his face as he leaves the Adelaide District Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

Nathan Fenwick (centre) leaving the District Court with his lawyer Tim Dibden and mother. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

Victim impact statements were read to the Adelaide District Court in March.

The victim’s father said Fenwick betrayed his son and damaged his family’s life in the “most despicable” way.

“You did this Nathan … like a thief in a night you preyed on (the victim) and took advantage of his naivety under the disguise of a friend and a teacher,” he said.

The father said he saw the messages and “disgusting photos” Fenwick had sent to his son.

“I saw how you told (the victim) you loved him, I read how you encouraged him to leave the safety of his home and sneak away without telling anyone so that you could have your way with him,” he said.

Nathan Fenwick hides behind his mother at an earlier court appearance. Photo: Lucy Rutherford

“I read how you told him to lie to … protect you and your job while you destroyed his life.”

The father said Fenwick “relentlessly and shamelessly” messaged his son.

“I saw how some days you sent over 30-40 messages – you stalked him, he could not escape you,” he said.

The victim said Fenwick quickly befriended him at school.

“Whatever punishment he receives will never give back all that I’ve lost, the things he is responsible for taking from me,” he said.

Fenwick pleaded guilty to communicating with the intention of making a child amenable.

In the Adelaide District Court on Wednesday, Judge Timothy Heffernan said Fenwick’s psychologist report raised “real concerns” about his basic capacity to function.

“Certainly it seems if he wasn’t residing with his mother at the moment he wouldn’t be able to live independently,” he said.

Judge Heffernan adjourned the charge until July.