A teacher at Sydney’s prestigious Knox Grammar accused of online grooming allegedly asked a 15-year-old whether they felt “hot” that they were as old as some of his students.
William Roberto Gulson was granted bail under strict conditions in the Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday after appearing via video link from the Surry Hills Police Centre.
Knox teacher William Gulson has been charged with child grooming.
The 27-year-old English teacher was charged on Friday with one count of procuring or grooming a child under 16 for unlawful sexual activity.
Court papers listed the details of the offence as procuring a 15-year-old child for unlawful sexual activity between August 25 and 27 at Wahroonga.
The prosecutor said there was an “extremely strong case” against Gulson, who faced up to 12 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the charge.
The court heard that Gulson allegedly contacted a year 9 student who was 15, telling them: “Sorry dude, I feel super conflicted. Do you feel it hot that you are as old as some of my students?”
Gulson, who appeared in handcuffs and wearing a green shirt bearing an emblem, was supported by his mother and brother at court during the hearing.
In opposing bail, the prosecution said there were “very real concerns” for the safety of the community.
However, legal aid solicitor Ned Gilson said Gulson did not have a criminal history and the accused would be vulnerable if he was remanded in custody, adding that he would face a relatively long period in remand.
The solicitor said that the circumstances of the alleged offence were “effectively a form of vigilantism” and “entrapment” by the community.
He proposed a series of bail conditions, including that Gulson reside at his mother’s home in Wahroonga.
In granting bail, the magistrate placed conditions on Gulson that prevent him from accessing dating apps or social media or contacting anyone under 18.
Gulson is also prevented from loitering near Knox Grammar, and has to give police the PIN of his mobile phone so that officers can access it where necessary. He has to surrender his passport within 48 hours and is prevented from entering international airports.
In a letter on Friday to parents at the north shore private school, Knox Grammar headmaster Scott James said the “alleged exchange occurred outside school hours and premises and did not involve any school IT equipment”.
“When this was brought to our attention, the teacher concerned was immediately removed from the school and his employment was terminated,” James said.
“Police have informed us that there is no other individual at risk and that there is no evidence that this behaviour extended beyond the online environment.”
According to Gulson’s LinkedIn profile, he was a former student of Knox, graduating in 2014.
He has held a number of roles at Knox, including as a drama and English teacher and a year 7 mentor. In 2023, he received a “Living Our Values” award from the Knox Grammar School Council.
Gulson will next appear in court at Hornsby on September 25.
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