Sydney psychologist Ted Quan charged with sexually assaulting and drugging teen

An experienced psychologist from Sydney’s north shore is facing grim allegations he drugged a teenage boy with Valium and sexually assaulted him, a court has heard.

A psychologist has faced Hornsby Local Court charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a teenager.

An extremely experienced north shore psychologist and university lecturer allegedly plied a teen with Valium and then sexually assaulted him, a court has heard.

Police allege St Leonards mental health professional Ted Quan told a teenage boy he was exhibiting ADHD symptoms and groomed him for weeks before giving him the anti-anxiety drug diazepam and raping him.

He has now been refused bail and remanded in custody after a prosecutor expressed concerns his ongoing exposure to vulnerable people due to his profession.

Wrapped in a blanket, Quan appeared at Hornsby Local Court dock Wednesday to seek bail on charges of sexual intercourse without consent and using an intoxicating substance to commit a serious offence.

Psychologist Ted Quan.

His barrister Caitlin Akthar told the court Quan had barely slept since he was refused police bail early on Monday because he had been unable to access his sleep apnoea machine, which ensures he keeps breathing while he sleeps.

He was briefly hospitalised as a result before he was returned to police custody.

“He is a very experienced psychologist of many decades’ standing,” Ms Akthar said.

“He has the support of his ex-wife, and she can provide a $10,000 surety to demonstrate the good standing and trust he has in the community.”

Ms Akthar also offered bail conditions which would prevent Quan being in the company of children, attending his place of work or contacting the teenage complainant in any way.

Police prosecutor Sgt Denise Vavayis acknowledged Quan had no criminal history but highlighted the “incredibly serious” allegations in opposing bail.

“Being a private practice psychologist, there is a very real risk of endangering the safety of the community by virtue of his position as he has access to particularly vulnerable people, whether they are under the age of 18 or not,” Sgt Vavayis said.

“He has (allegedly) engaged in what can be described as grooming behaviour … he’s gotten (the teen) to give him massages, told him he thinks he has ADHD, and has therefore given him the prescribed illicit substance diazepam which was used in the commission of the offence.”

Sgt Vavayis also told the court there may be additional charges after police seized a laptop and mobile phone which were allegedly secreted beneath clothes in Quan’s laundry.

“There were (allegedly) two books located (at Quan’s residence) related to pedophilia,” Sgt Vavayis said.

“There are ongoing investigations in relation to what was located and it’s like that there may be further charges.”

Hornsby police station.

Magistrate Alexander Mijovich refused bail, stating the allegations were “extremely serious” and that community protection was paramount.

Quan’s matter was adjourned to Downing Centre Local Court on August 27 for a brief status mention.

A Ramsay Health spokeswoman said Quan was a subcontractor at its St Leonards mental health clinic.

“We immediately took steps to suspend the individual’s contract pending the outcome of the case which is now before the courts,” the spokeswoman said.

“We are taking steps to ensure our patients continue to receive appropriate ongoing care and treatment (and) we are also offering support to our staff through our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.”

Quan is said to have been a psychologist for more than 25 years with a “culturally sensitive, client centred approach to mental health”.