Former McClelland College teacher Orhan Sahin ‘absolutely denies’ child sex offence allegations

A former Frankston high school science teacher “absolutely denies” child sexual offence allegations, saying police are on a “fishing expedition”.

A former McClelland College Science teacher has fronted Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after he was charged with serious child sexual offences. Picture: Supplied

A former Frankston high school science teacher has “absolutely denied” child sexual offence allegations, saying police are on a “fishing expedition”.

Orhan Sahin fronted Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 12, after being accused last year of committing child sexual offences.

Mr Sahin — who previously taught Year 7 to 10 science at McClelland College in Frankston — was charged by police in April this year, despite being suspended from teaching on an interim basis in June 2024 by the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

The court heard police had carried out an “extensive” investigation, going through up to “100 hours of evidence” before charging Mr Sahin.

Police say they had so far gathered witness statements from up to 12 people in relation to the allegations.

Mr Sahin appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. Picture: Aaron Francis

In May this year, McClelland College principal Laura Dowdell Spence wrote to past and current parents at the school, saying: “given the serious nature of these charges, I wanted to ensure you were notified of this very concerning news as soon as possible.”

Mr Sahin’s lawyer Brett Halliwell said his client “absolutely denied” the allegations.

“The accounts of the complainant and Mr Sahin are diametrically opposed to each other,” he said.

Mr Halliwell accused police of going on a “fishing expedition” with the school.

“They’ve had 10 months to get any witness statements and they’ve done that with at least 12 people,” he said.

“They’re currently now clearly on a fishing expedition to see if anyone else will come forward to make allegations.

“The school wrote to thousands of students and parents — the more time prosecution is given … the greater disadvantage continues to occur to Mr Sahin.”

The court heard Mr Sahin had remained unemployed since his suspension and was “unlikely to be able to get employment with the Education Department in any time in the near future”.

Police say inquiries were ongoing, with a potential three further complainants to be added to the case.

Mr Sahin’s matter was adjourned for contest mention on July 3, when he will return to court.