Paul Awramenko denies sexually touching student at south west Sydney school

A casual teacher has denied he sexually touched a student while working at a southwest Sydney school.

A casual school teacher working at a school in Sydney’s south west has faced court over the alleged sexual touching of a student last year.

Paul Awramenko appeared at Bankstown Local Court on Thursday charged with sexual touching of a student between 10 and 16, and common assault.

Police allege the 57-year-old, from Sydney’s inner west, sexually touched an 11-year-old girl while acting as a casual teacher.

Paul Amwarenko (right) leaving Bankstown Local Court on Thursday with lawyer Dev Buhtani. Picture: Lauren Ferri

Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad launched the investigation on September 24 following reports a female student was sexually touched at a school in Sydney’s south west.

Mr Awramenko was arrested at his inner west home about 10am on April 30 and appeared at Newtown Local Court the same day where the matter was adjourned.

He was represented in court on Thursday by defence lawyer Dev Bhutani, who said pleas of not guilty had already been entered to the court.

Paul Amwarenko allegedly sexually touched a student while working at a school. Picture: Lauren Ferri

Mr Awramenko’s Twitter states he is a casual teacher, a member of the ALP and a member of the NSW Teachers Federation.

The matter was adjourned to July 1.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.