Private school staffer, mother charged with sexually abusing a child between 2009-2011

A private school staffer and mother has faced court charged with historic child sexual offending.

A mother and former staffer at a private school has faced court for the first time on a child sexual charge.

The woman – who cannot be identified – hung her head in the dock of the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with sexually abusing a child between 2009 and 2011.

The woman in her 30s was arrested by detectives from the Eastern District CIB in August.

She was originally charged with the persistent sexual exploitation of a child, and communicating with a child to make the child amenable to sexual activity.

However, court records show she is now only charged with the sexual abuse of a child charge. No plea has been entered.

Court documents allege that between January 2009 and December 2011, the woman engaged in two or more unlawful sexual acts with the alleged victim, including communicating with him for a pruient purpose with the intention of making him amenable to sexual activity.

They further alleged the woman sent the child pornographic images.

Prosecutors on Wednesday asked the court for a 14 week adjournment to prepare an evidence brief, however Magistrate Simon Smart said a nearly four month delay was too long.

The woman, who cannot be identified, appeared on Wednesday in the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

“Why do you need that much time?” he said. “That’s nearly three and a half months. Why do you need so long if there are already witness statements?”

“Your Honour the time required for the investigating officer to complete a preliminary brief is 10 weeks,” the prosecutor said.

The matter was adjourned and the woman will face court again in January.

The alleged offences did not involve anyone at the school the woman was working in at the time of her arrest.

SA Police said members of the public who have any information about persons involved in child sexual offences are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – You can remain anonymous.

Originally published as Private school staffer, mother charged with sexually abusing a child between 2009-2011