Patrick Jan Starkey: Teacher, 42, charged with sexual assault on the Central Coast
A Central Coast teacher allegedly about to board a plane interstate which was destined for South Africa has been charged with sexually assaulting a girl.
A Central Coast teacher who was allegedly about to board a plane interstate which was destined for South Africa has been charged with sexually assaulting a girl.
Child Abuse Squad detectives commenced an investigation on Saturday, following reports a 15-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by a 42-year-old man.
On Sunday, just before 6pm, detectives, with the help of officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Police Districts, executed a search warrant at a unit in Kincumber.
During the search, police seized a car and laptops for forensic examination.
At about 6.30pm, police arrested 42-year-old Patrick Jan Starkey at Sydney Domestic Airport where it will be alleged he was intending to travel to South Africa via Perth.
He was then taken to Mascot Police Station, where he was charged with seven counts of aggravated - sexual intercourse child 14 and 16 years, three counts of intentionally sexually touch child 10 and 16 years and groom child for unlawful sexual activity.
Police will allege in court Starkey, who worked as schoolteacher on the Central Coast, sexually assaulted the girl on multiple occasions.
His matter was briefly mentioned in bail court on Monday, however he made no application for bail.
His matter will return to Gosford Local Court on November 14.
In a letter to parents by Danny Casey, the Director of Schools at Catholic Schools Broken Bay, he said on Friday, the Diocese became aware of alleged serious misconduct by the
teacher at which point he was immediately stood down from his role.
“His access to school sites and digital resources were immediately removed. A police investigation followed.
“He was arrested and charged on Sunday 14 September. CSBB has worked closely with NSW Police and will continue to do so.
“We are also collaborating with all other relevant authorities and providing every cooperation
including any details that may be relevant from the rigorous screening prior to his employment at the beginning of the 2025 school year.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority, and we remain
committed to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding in our schools.”
