Former Concordia College German teacher Bettina Schmoock admits grooming male student for sex
A FORMER teacher at a prestigious Adelaide private school has admitted she groomed one of her male students for sex.
Law and Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law and Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A FORMER teacher at a prestigious Adelaide private school has admitted she groomed one of her male students for sex.
On Monday, Bettina Schmoock pleaded guilty to one aggravated count of making a communication with the intention of procuring a child to engage in or submit to sexual activity.
The former German teacher at Concordia College now faces a maximum 12-year prison term because her victim was, at the time of the offending, a student in her care.
Prosecutors had previously alleged Schmoock, 42, of Bellevue Heights, was counselling the boy when she committed the offence.
On Monday, Schmoock was due to stand trial on the charge, having previously pleaded not guilty.
However, the hearing was changed in order for her to be arraigned a second time.
Mark Griffin QC, for Schmoock, told Judge Gordon Barrett that his client had changed her position.
Asked to enter her plea, Schmoock — who was visibly upset — paused, swallowed and said “I plead guilty”.
Mark Norman SC, prosecuting, said he would tender “voluminous” printed materials with the court ahead of sentencing.
“That will not include a prior criminal history... there is nothing of that nature to tender, she is of (prior) good character,” he said.
“The maximum penalty is 12 years’ jail by reason of the aggravating factor — that she was in a position of authority as a teacher toward the victim.”
He dubbed the case “sensitive”, noting it had attracted “significant public interest” — but stressed it had “a certain complexity to it”.
“I suggest Your Honour will be assisted by reading the voluminous documentary material in this case,” he said.
“Specifically, those are the communications — the text messages, the Skype messages, which are on the (court) file.
“We will file a summary identifying what we say are the important messages.”
Mr Griffin said he would file written submissions as well.
“There will be quite a lot of material to address, and there may be one or two character witnesses called as well,” he said.
Judge Barrett remanded Schmoock on continuing bail until next month.
In a statement, Concordia College principal Paul Weinert told The Advertiser: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family.”
Home invaders steal, then crash, Mercedes
A luxury Mercedes sedan has been stolen by a man and woman during a violent home invasion at Kurralta Park.
It’s official: Notorious child predator to stay locked up
A notorious serial kidnapper and child predator has finally had his bid for release into the community denied after a two-year legal and political battle.