Trial of primary teacher Keith Eshman charged with rape of child hears from colleagues

A senior colleague of a primary teacher charged with sexually abusing a young girl has told a court the accused was concerned about how “affectionate and cuddly” she was.

Keith Eshman leaving Wollongong District Court on Wednesday after the third day of his trial. Picture: Dylan Arvela

A senior colleague of a primary teacher charged with sexually abusing a young girl has told a court the accused was concerned about how “affectionate and cuddly” she was.

The evidence was heard during the trial of one-game NRL player Keith William Eshman at Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday.

Eshman, 37, previously pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 and two counts of sexually touching a child under 10.

In her opening submissions, Crown prosecutor Nerissa Keay said Eshman allegedly touched the inside and outside of the complainant’s underwear as well as grabbing her hand and placing it on his crotch.

The court heard the matter was reported to police before further allegations were made about Eshman putting fingers in her vagina as well as licking inside of it.

Keith Eshman (left) with his lawyer Robert Candelori on Monday. Picture: Dylan Arvela

“Does this feel good,” he allegedly said, with the court hearing the girl said yes as she did not want to make him angry.

During Eshman’s arrest, police seized his iPhone and MacBook. A data download of his devices allegedly uncovered a string of searches including inquiries about whether young girls can orgasm and the definition of pedophilia.

In court on Wednesday, Eshman’s senior colleague who supervised the cohort he taught said she had spoken to him about concerns he had regarding the complainant.

“He had concerns over how affectionate and cuddly she was with him,” the woman said.

“He also had concerns about her touching herself on the private parts and he was uncomfortable.

Keith Eshman played one game for the Wests Tigers in the NRL.

“I told him it could be normal for [children her age]. It could be a sensory thing or [a sign] of abuse.”

The woman told the court she instructed him to check in with the deputy principal to “cover himself or [the girl]”.

The court heard from two other teachers on Wednesday as well as three student support staff.

The support staff told the court about Eshman’s interactions with the girl who they described as “affectionate”.

“She was a little girl, she was affectionate and she would touch his legs,” one of the staff said.

“When Mr Eshman was giving lessons, often [the complainant] was positioned close to him and would often touch his feet.”

The other said she saw similar behaviours which were also directed towards a part-time teacher who filled in while Eshman was on paternity leave and after he had been charged.

Keith Eshman leaving Wollongong District Court after the matter was mentioned in 2023. Picture: Dylan Arvela

“She was affectionate, but she was fine and he would redirect her to the classroom activity,” another said.

Detective Senior Constable Chelsea Baihn began her evidence on Wednesday with the child abuse squad officer due to return to the witness box on Thursday.

The court previously heard from the complainant’s parents who described the “shock” of learning about the allegations and how it left them feeling “sick”.

Defence barrister Brendan Green said on the first day of the trial his client “denies these incidents took place”.

The trial before Judge Sharon Harris continues.

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