Sydney schoolteacher charged with sexually abusing student

A newlywed female schoolteacher accused of sexually abusing a teenage student allegedly made “spontaneous admissions” when she was dramatically arrested.

A newlywed female schoolteacher accused of sexually abusing a teenage student allegedly made “spontaneous admissions” about her conduct when she was dramatically arrested by detectives at her work.

Tayla Brailey, 30, was apprehended at a southwest Sydney school on Tuesday and charged with sexual intercourse with a child under her authority, sexually touching a child under her authority, and aggravated sexual assault of a child under her authority.

The high school educator - who also goes by her married name Tayla Rizza - dropped her face into her hands and cried when a solicitor said she was potentially facing years behind bars over the grave allegations.

At Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday, police prosecutor Sgt Hillery told Magistrate Imad Abdul-Karim there was a strong case against Brailey.

“Spontaneous admissions were made by the defendant when spoken to by police,” Sgt Hillery said.

“The defendant, when spoken to, allowed access to her mobile phone and through that the prosecution and detectives obtained further material which assists the case.”

Tayla Brailey at her wedding. Picture: Supplied

Tayla Brailey, 30, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: Supplied

Police will allege Brailey made admissions to speaking to three students in total - the complainant, and two other students via social media.

Brailey is not facing any charges in relation to any other children but the court heard investigations are ongoing, including into videos on her phone.

“Investigations are being made into the type of contact that was made between the defendant and the two other persons,” Sgt Hillery said.

“It’s a serious set of factual circumstances…she (allegedly) acknowledges her wrongdoing, that it is inappropriate and continued down that path, so far as informing the complainant not to speak to anyone about what was happening prior to the alleged incident occurring.”

Brailey’s solicitor Patrick Schmidt said she could abide by strict bail conditions akin to house arrest, to reside with her parents in the Illawarra area and not access social media or contact prosecution witnesses.

Mr Schmidt told the court Brailey had no criminal history and the allegations would need to be tested, noting that process could take 18 months to two years.

Tayla Brailey faced court today.

Mr Abdul-Karim granted Brailey bail to conditions akin to house arrest, to report three times a week to Wollongong police, surrender her passport and abstain from social media.

“The case is strong, the applicant is said to have made admissions and based on the facts alleged, it’s inevitable that the applicant would serve full time imprisonment (if convicted),” the magistrate said.

“The purpose of bail is not to consider whether the sentence of imprisonment should commence today, but whether there are conditions that can adequately mitigate concerns…I’m confident she will comply with conditions that are imposed.”

Brailey was married in 2023 and was supported in court by her parents and husband.

In March this year she was a contestant on Seven Network quiz show The 1% Club, which is hosted by comedian Jim Jefferies.

In a statement, a Department of Education spokesman confirmed Brailey had been suspended without pay.

“The safety and welfare of students are our highest priorities,” the spokesman said.

“The department has strong policies and procedures in place to ensure their care and protection and to act when employees are alleged to have engaged in misconduct.”

The spokesman said support was being provided to students and staff at the school.