Vasilious Kafataris to deny allegations he had sex with teenager
A teacher intends to plead not guilty to 13 charges relating to an alleged sexual relationship with a teenager who police said was ‘groomed’ by him.
The Express
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A former teacher in Sydney’s southwest charged with 14 offences relating to an alleged sexual relationship with a teenager has signalled he will fight the claims in court.
Vasilious Kafataris appeared in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday via video link, remaining silent as his lawyer spoke on his behalf.
The charges include six counts of sexually touching a person under 18 years old under special care; six counts of having sexual intercourse with a person under 18 years old under special care; one assault charge; and one charge of inciting a person under 18 years old under special care to sexually touch.
The court heard that Mr Kafataris intends to plead not guilty to all charges, though no pleas have been formally entered.
“We understand that the defendant will plea not guilty to all charges,” said the prosecution.
Mr Kafataris’ lawyer then confirmed his client intended to plead not guilty to all charges.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad began investigating Mr Kafataris in April following reports a 17-year-old girl had been sexually touched by him.
Police allege the 52-year-old sexually touched the girl at various locations in Bankstown between January and April, 2021.
Inquiries led police to his arrest at his Bankstown home on May 6 where they seized a number of items.
Police prosecutors had previously argued in court that Mr Kafataris had “groomed her in a way where she still wants to be in a relationship with him”.
Prosecutors had also claimed that Mr Kafataris had said he was not in a romantic relationship with the victim, but accepts he was kissing her, and told her he loved her.
The case was committed for trial at Parramatta District Court on April 15.
There were no changes to bail, and none requested by defence. Mr Kafataris has to report to Bankstown Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, not contact the victim, and not go within 1km of where she lives or goes to school.
An AVO relating to Mr Kafataris will be mentioned at Burwood Local Court on September 29.
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