Teacher Kefei Wang pleads guilty to physically assaulting student, 7, at Airdale Primary School in Port Pirie

This teacher has pleaded guilty to physically assaulting a Mid North primary school student, but only after SA Police dropped part of their allegation against him.

A teacher at a Mid North school has pleaded guilty to physically assaulting a seven-year-old student – but insists he did not abuse his position of authority while doing so.

On Monday Kefei Wang faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court for what was scheduled to be the start of a two-day trial on one aggravated count of assault.

SA Police alleged Wang, 34, of Largs Bay, had committed that offence while working on the grounds of Airdale Primary School on Anzac Rd, Port Pirie.

They alleged that, on March 22, 2024, Wang had assaulted a boy, 7, who had run out of one of the school’s classrooms and into the yard.

That assault, they alleged, took the form of Wang grabbing the boy’s wrist and pulling him back into the classroom.

Airdale School Port Pirie teacher Kefei Wang pleaded guilty to physically assaulting a seven-year-old student Picture: Sean Fewster

Police further alleged that offence was aggravated by two factors.

First, they alleged the boy’s very young age, and Wang’s awareness of it, increased the seriousness of the offence.

Secondly, they alleged Wang had abused his position of power or authority over the boy in order to commit the offence.

On Monday, Wang’s trial was delayed for an hour while he spoke with his barrister, Michelle Barnes – who then told the court a full hearing would not be necessary.

“This matter has resolved, but there will need to be an amendment to the charge,” she said.

Phoebe Foster-Richardson, prosecuting, said the parties had reached an agreed position on the facts of the case.

Airdale School Port Pirie teacher Kefei Wang outside the Adelaide Magistrates Court, with his barrister Michelle Barnes. Picture: Sean Fewster

“We seek leave to delete (from the charge) one of the aggravating features, which is the abuse of a position of trust,” she said.

“That should just leave (the charge) with the one aggravating feature, that being the victim being under the age of 12 years at the time of the offence.”

Asked, by Magistrate Luke Davis, how he pleaded to the amended charge, Wang replied: “I plead guilty.”

Ms Foster-Richardson asked the court to postpone sentencing submissions.

“From the prosecution’s perspective, we will be filing (a document outlining) an agreed factual basis with the court,” she said.

Ms Barnes said she did not oppose a further adjournment.

“We ask for a date in the first week of August, we need to get some character references,” she said.

Mr Davis agreed and remanded Wang on continuing bail.
“This teacher was directed away from the site on 22 March 2024 as soon as the department became aware of the matter and was not permitted to attend any department school or site as a result of that direction,” an Education Department spokesperson said.

“His contract has since expired and he is no longer an employee of the department.”