Mid-North Coast court hears Taree teacher faces more charges over alleged schoolgirl sexual ‘obsession’

More chilling allegations have emerged as a Mid-North Coast NSW teacher stares down a growing number of sexual abuse charges, including repeatedly raping a schoolgirl. Here’s the latest.

The man faces a slew of serious allegations, including multiple counts of rape.

Charges against a Taree teacher who allegedly became obsessed with a schoolgirl and sexually abused her for years are set to double, it has been revealed.

More details about the allegations also emerged in court on Monday – including that the man aged in his 40s tailgated the female student and forced her to pull over, telling her he could not control his attraction and it was inevitable.

The accused man, who is not legally able to be identified, already faces 10 charges, including five counts of sexual intercourse without consent – or rape.

He has also been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a victim under his authority, stalking and intimidation and aggravated sexual touching.

The man has not entered any pleas to the charges. The court previously heard the man was determined to fight the allegations.

He faced Magistrate Allison Hawkins in Taree Local Court in an attempt to have bail reporting at Tamworth reduced to once a week. He also fought to be allowed to drive through the Taree and Forster areas as the case continues.

The man outside Taree Local Court. Picture: Janine Watson

Defence lawyer Gus Farland told the court his client – bailed on December 11 following his arrest three days prior – has been working in a job, not related to teaching, and needed to drive through the areas.

A barrister for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) addressed Ms Hawkins specifically about concerns regarding the former teacher driving through the areas.

He alleged “years of sexual assault often involved the use of a vehicle” and “tailgating the complainant and forcing her car over, or waiting for her in his vehicle”.

The prosecutor alleged the accused man told the student “I can’t control this attraction to you”.

A police prosecutor alleged during a previous appearance the man was confronted by the young woman’s parents, but only ceased offending for a short time.

Ms Hawkins told the court allegations against the man were “extensive” and offending was said to have occurred “over a number of years”. She said the offending allegedly took place at various locations and involved the victim being sent lingerie.

Ms Hawkins agreed to reduce bail reporting to once a week, but refused to allow the man to travel through the Taree and Forster areas, other than to attend court.

The DPP barrister asked for an adjournment and said charges would likely double in number following a second interview with the girl in February.

The case was adjourned to July 1.

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