Former St Andrews Christian College teacher Steven Mellody jailed for nine years for sex crimes
A former St Andrews Christian College teacher who sexually abused his female students went to “breathtaking” lengths to avoid being caught — including taking a ladder from the school gym.
Police & Courts
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A former teacher at a Christian college in Melbourne’s east who sexually abused female students was involved in online men’s rights groups which encouraged the manipulation of women.
Steven Mellody, 40, was on Monday jailed for nine years and nine months after pleading guilty to six charges including sexual penetration, assault and grooming of a child under 16 years old.
The County Court heard the former St Andrews Christian College teacher groomed and sexually abused two female victims inside the Wantirna South school’s gymnasium, library, his car, at a family beach house and on a school camp.
Over a 13-month period, Mellody exchanged more than 103,000 text messages with one girl which were increasingly sexual over time and included explicit images.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Frank Gucciardo said the former physical education teacher and sports co-ordinator’s views on sexual relationships were shaped by men’s rights forums which encouraged men to dominate and manipulate women.
Mellody later told a forensic psychologist, who found he had symptoms of a narcissistic personality, his victims wanted to have a relationship with him and there was nothing malicious about his conduct, though he had since recognised it was wrong.
Judge Gucciardo said it was “breathtaking” the lengths Mellody went to keep the abuse hidden, including the use of a ladder from the school so one of his victims could re-enter her home at night undetected.
While his wife was overseas on a study tour, Mellody also allowed a girl to stay at his home before he would drive her back to her house about 4am.
The former teacher was arrested after one of his victims was caught by her parents as she returned home.
They went on to uncover messages and images of him in his underwear on her phone.
Judge Gucciardo said Mellody’s offending involved an “egregious” breach of trust and manipulation, noting he warned one girl that she had to delete all messages and photos she had sent because she could be in trouble and might have to go to court.
“You well knew ... that you were engaging in criminal conduct,” he said.
“You chose to disregard the consequences.”
Messages were also uncovered on Mellody’s phone from the head of junior school at St Andrews College, warning him some students were “wanting to catch you out saying inappropriate stuff to students”.
“Have no idea who or why but just a word of warning. Sorry you put a dampener on your day just want to have your back,” she said.
The court heard the former Salvation Army pastor was estranged from his ex-wife but retained the support of his parents.
Mellody, who has spent more than three years on remand, must serve at least six years of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.
He will also be a registered sex offender for life.
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