Simon William Phillips: Another student comes forward with allegations against teacher

A SYDNEY teacher accused of sex offences against four young girls could face further charges with Crime Stoppers contacted about another possible complaint following publicity around his arrest.

• Teacher ‘indecently assaulted four schoolgirls’ at school

A SYDNEY teacher accused of sex offences against four young girls could face further charges with Crime Stoppers contacted about another possible complaint following publicity around his arrest.

Simon William Phillips, from Russell Lea, has pleaded not guilty to 13 charges of aggravated indecent assault against the students on a number of occasions in 2017.

The 51-year-old was granted bail at Burwood Local Court on Thursday under strict conditions, including that he effectively be kept under house arrest and provide a $200,000 surety.

The alleged offences occurred while the teacher was working at Mowbray Public School.

Teacher Simon Phillips has been charged with allegedly assaulting four schoolgirls. Picture: Supplied

Police prosecutor Sergeant Ernest Chan had opposed the bail application, saying Phillips’ alleged actions were “nothing short of predatory”, and there was a chance he could face further charges as police interviewed more witnesses. Crime Stoppers had received a call that morning about another possible complaint involving a student at a different school, the court heard.

Phillips is accused of inappropriately touching four 11 and 12-year-old students at a Sydney school over a period of about eight months.

Officers from the Child Abuse Squad pull the accused out of a police van yesterday. Picture: NSW Police Force

The 51-year-old teacher was arrested at his Russell Lea home by detectives. Picture: NSW Police Force

The court on Thursday heard he “absolutely denies” the allegations. Sgt Chan said the crown’s case against Phillips was strong and the allegations extensive, with several complaints made very soon after the alleged incidents. A custodial sentence was likely if Phillips was convicted which raised concerns he would flee or fail to appear, the prosecutor said.

However, Phillips’ barrister, Grant Brady SC, said his client had no criminal history and had been teaching for 28 years with no allegations previously made against him.

The teacher is facing 13 charges. Picture: NSW Police Force

Complaints relating to three of the children alleged “fleeting touches” that may be difficult to prove and wouldn’t necessarily lead to full-time custody if he was convicted, Mr Brady said.

The lawyer added his client wasn’t a flight risk as his life, family and friends were in Sydney and he had significant health issues.

The matter is next scheduled for mention on January 10.