SA teacher Alan Jonathan Uphill charged with sexual abuse of a child, to face court again in April

A teacher who has worked at a number of schools across the state has been accused of child sexual abuse offending, parents have been told.

A teacher faces life in prison if found guilty of child sexual abuse. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

An SA teacher has faced court accused of maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child seven years ago, prompting schools to send letters to parents.

The Advertiser can reveal Alan Jonathan Uphill, 58, of Ethelton, has faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court accused of the offence, which carries a maximum life sentence if found guilty.

Court documents allege the offence occurred “at locations within the state” in early 2018.

Mr Uphill has previously worked at a number of schools across the state, as both a full-time member of staff and a temporary relief teacher.

He has not worked at any public school since October 2024 – two months before he first faced court.

Under state law, Mr Uphill could not be named nor identified in any way until the conclusion of that first court hearing.

The adjournment of his case until April has prompted the principals of schools at which Mr Uphill has worked to write to parents.

In one such letter, sighted by The Advertiser, a principal assures parents there is “no need” for concern as the alleged offending “does not involve any student”.

The principal states Mr Uphill has been banned from engaging in any child-related work while being prosecuted, and been directed away from all public schools.

Mr Uphill will next face court in April.

In a statement, an Education Department spokeswoman said schools had followed “protocols laid out in the Debelle report” to inform parents.

“In November, a letter was provided to parents and caregivers at a number of schools, in accordance with the policy, to advise them that a temporary relief teacher at the school has been arrested and charged with indecent assault of a child,” she said.

“An additional letter was sent to parents and caregivers this week after the individual attended court on December 18.”

“A letter was not sent to parents at that time as schools were on holidays.

“It’s important that when these letters go out, wellbeing support is made available on-site, which would only have been possible upon school returning.”

Originally published as SA teacher Alan Jonathan Uphill charged with sexual abuse of a child, to face court again in April