Former St Kevin’s teacher Michael Junkovic faces Melbourne court on indecency, sexual assault charges

A former religion teacher at St Kevin’s Toorak denies he grabbed a student between the legs and called him a “bisexual bastard”.

A former religion teacher at Toorak’s St Kevin’s College allegedly put his hand between a boy’s legs and said “you bisexual bastard”, a court has heard.

Michael Junkovic, 42, faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday for the first day of a hearing where he stands accused of sexual assaulting and indecently touching a young man.

Junkovic has pleaded not guilty.

His defence barrister, Colin Mandy, SC, did not deliver an opening address on Monday but the court has previously heard Junkovic denies the incident took place.

The court also heard on Monday Junkovic “denied the conduct” when he spoke with police.

The bulk of Monday’s hearing took place in closed court, with the alleged victim giving evidence by video link.

St Kevin's College in Toorak.

Prosecutor Anthony Albore said: “The prosecution case is that the accused, Mr Junkovic, was (a) teacher … at St Kevin’s College … the complainant was walking … Mr Junkovic is alleged to have approached the complainant from behind and grabbed the complainant’s perineum area”.

Junkovic allegedly then said: “ … you bisexual bastard”.

Junkovic taught religion and coached basketball at the prestigious Toorak private school, where fees this year top $20,000.

Junkovic has not taught since late 2020, when the professional regulator for teachers, the Victorian Institute of Teaching suspended him from the profession.

News that Mr Junkovic had been charged sent shockwaves through the school, and through Kew’s Carey Grammar, where was teaching at the time he was charged.

The Bayside sexual offences and child abuse investigation team investigated the matter after it was first reported to the school, and the school informed government agencies including Victoria Police.

The hearing continues.