Banksia Park International High School teacher Douglas Loudon pleads not guilty to indecent assault

A music teacher working in Adelaide’s northeast will stand trial accused of indecently assaulting a child under the age of 14.

A music teacher at Banksia Park International High School will stand trial for allegedly indecently assaulting a child.

Douglas Loudon, 35, pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated indecent assault in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

A charge sheet read to the court alleged the child was under the age of 14 and Mr Loudon abused a position of trust by committing the offence.

Banksia Park International High School teacher Douglas Loudon leaves the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Mr Loudon was arrested by Northern District CIB detectives at his northern suburbs home on May 11, 2023, and faced Elizabeth Magistrates Court the next day.

Principal Natasa Penna sent a letter to parents on May 19 informing them of Mr Loudon’s arrest.

“I regret to inform you that a teacher at our school, Mr Douglas Loudon, was arrested by police and recently appeared in court,” she said.

“The teacher has been suspended from duty and is prevented from attending the school or engaging in any child-related work or volunteering.”

“I understand this is distressing information.

“I am concerned about the welfare of children who have had contact with the teacher.”

Police allege the offence occurred in 2021.

A spokeswoman from the Department for Education said at the time of Mr Loudon’s arrest they would not be making any further comment as the matter was under investigation by police.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the government was going to “make sure justice is done”.

On Wednesday, Magistrate Simon Smart committed Mr Loudon, who is on bail, to the District Court for arraignment in August.

Originally published as Banksia Park International High School teacher Douglas Loudon pleads not guilty to indecent assault