Teacher Ben Fenner in court on 11 charges of sexual intercourse with student
Biology teacher Ben Fenner, from the $32,000-a-year school Reddam House at Bondi, fronts court for the first time on charges alleging he had a sexual relationship with a student.
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The teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student at an elite eastern suburbs private school has appeared in court for the first time.
Reddam House biology teacher Ben Fenner, 34, rushed quickly from the Downing Centre Local Court, accompanied by his lawyer Philip Gibson, after this morning’s brief mention.
The court heard Fenner, who headed the school’s Duke of Edinburgh program before being stood down, has changed his address since his arrest in July.
Detectives charged Fenner with 11 counts of sexual intercourse with a person under his care after the complainant, a 17-year-old girl, came forward last month.
Officers apprehended the senior teacher at a Mascot cafe after an investigation by the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes squad.
Police will allege he engaged in sexual acts with the former student at homes in Randwick and the Central Coast, where a search of the property saw electronic devices and personal items seized.
“Reddam House understands that Ben Fenner attended court today. Reddam will not be making any comments on the case as the matter is still before the courts,” a statement released by the school today said.
“Duty of care towards and respect for students has always been fundamental to Reddam’s approach.
“Since the allegation became known, we have been focused on supporting the students and minimising any impact on them and on the wider school community.”
Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Allen ordered a brief of evidence be served on Fenner prior to his next court date in October.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Allen ordered a brief of evidence be served on Fenner prior to his next court date in October.
Reddam House, which has campuses in Bondi and Woollahra and charges up to $32,000 a year, had released a statement in the wake of Fenner’s arrest before a message from the principal appeared in the school’s newsletter a week later.
“I would like to thank the school community; parents, teachers and students for the way they have rallied and supported each other and myself during this turbulent week,” principal Dave Pitcairn wrote at the time.
“The school psychologists and I remain available to students for whom the events of the week have been unsettling and feel they need further assistance in dealing with them.”
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