Sydney college caught up in dramatic schoolday arrest

A Year 12 student at a prestigious Sydney college was sensationally arrested by police last week after school staff found inappropriate videos on his phone.

An exclusive Sydney private school has been embroiled in another scandal after a student was dramatically arrested on campus last week.

Newington College called police on Thursday when they discovered a Year 12 student on a sporting scholarship had inappropriate photos of a younger boy on his phone.

The Daily Telegraph reports the 18-year-old boarder, who is originally from the state’s central west, filmed the other boy in the shower before sending the video to “multiple people” on social media.

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The boy was charged with distributing child abuse material after his arrest, and has since pleaded guilty to the charge in court.

He was also subject to an apprehended violence order to protect the victim of his crime.

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Newington College has found itself embroiled in scandal after a Year 12 student was dramatically arrested on campus last week. Picture: Daily Telegraph

"Sorry to let you all down"

“About 6.30pm on Thursday 15 August 2024, detectives attached to Inner West Police Area Command, were called to a school on Stanmore Road, Stanmore, following reports of a video in circulation,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“An 18-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with disseminate child abuse material.”

The Daily Telegraph reports the student was named to play in a school sport on Saturday, but sent a text message to teammates saying he wouldn’t make it.

“They (teammates) all got a text saying something like “Can’t play boys, sorry to let you all down”,” a source familiar with the matter said.

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The 18-year-old year 12 student pleaded guilty to filming another boy in the showers and sharing the video on social media. Picture: Facebook

"Protection of their welfare is our priority"

The 18-year-old faced Newtown Local Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to a charge of distributing child abuse material.

He was sentenced to an 18-month conditional release order without conviction.

It is understood he is no longer a boarder at the school but is continuing his studies as a day student, in light of the criminal charge.

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A Newington College spokesperson said the school’s boarding community was informed of the incident on Friday in a letter from deputy headmaster Andy Quinane.

“The College has worked closely with families, staff and police overnight in response to an incident amongst three friends...earlier in the week. All boys are safe, and the protection of their welfare is our priority as we move forwards,” the letter said.

Originally published as Sydney college caught up in dramatic schoolday arrest