Project Motion martial arts instructor Aaron Smalley charged with sexual penetration of a child

A former Heathmont and Templestowe martial arts instructor facing serious child sex charges hopes to continue training clients after he was granted bail.

Aaron Smalley has been charged with multiple counts of sexual penetration of a child under 16. Facebook.

An eastern suburbs martial arts instructor groomed and sexually penetrated a 15-year-old girl, a court has heard.

Aaron Smalley pleaded not guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday to multiple sexually penetrate a child under 16 charges.

Smalley, the former co-owner of Templestowe martial arts business Project Motion, is accused of assaulting the then 15-year-old girl.

The martial arts “sensei” and former Ultimate Martial Arts Heathmont instructor is alleged to have known the child for a period of time, the court heard.

Smalley, who is also charged with multiple counts sexual penetration of a child under care or supervision, allegedly began grooming the girl when she was 14.

Smalley also allegedly groomed the girl with sexualised messages.

The court was told, during a bail application heard in September last year, Smalley allegedly ordered the girl to delete messages and then send him screenshots that she did or they would “both get in trouble”.

Smalley allegedly violated the child at various locations, including a Bundoora apartment and a Heathmont park.

Smalley also allegedly had sex with the child at his mother’s home, the court was told.

Smalley also allegedly “instructed” the girl to set up her phone and film herself performing sexual acts, which included while she showered.

Smalley allegedly told the girl “not to be near him” while they shopped for condoms, the court heard.

It’s alleged Smalley paid the girl “special attention” and told her he was a masseur.

Knox Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detective Sergeant Jo McDonald told the court police believe Smalley may have “committed the offence of rape”.

“It’s clear (Smalley) had a high-level of control over the complainant,” detective Sergeant McDonald said.

The court heard the girl recorded a phone conversation between she and Smalley where he allegedly admitted using condoms during sex.

Smalley was arrested, charged and remanded on August 19 last year.

Police opposed bail fearing Smalley was a flight risk and he would interfere with witnesses including the complainant.

The court heard Smalley allegedly told his former Project Motion business partner Jake Skepper that he intended to move to Queensland this year.

Smalley, who had lived with his partner at her Croydon home, would work as a remote fitness instructor if released.

The court heard if was to reopen his business then he should not be left alone with children.

Smalley could also perform manual labour, the court was told.

Magistrate Luisa Bazzani bailed Smalley last September with strict conditions including he not contact the complainant.

Magistrate Bazzani said during an earlier court hearing the alleged offending left her “horrified”.

“I am horrified by the charges, I am horrified by the grooming behaviour, which is evident, I am horrified by the breach of trust to this young girl,” Magistrate Bazzani said.

“I’m horrified by the manipulation of her by your client Mr (Thomas) Isaacs.”

Smalley’s bail was extended to face a County Court direction’s hearing next month.

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