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Ex-MLC Swim Coach Accused of Grooming 13-Year-Old Granted Bail Under Strict Controls

He now awaits a February 27 court date under a curfew with device and contact bans.

Overview

  • The former head swim coach at Methodist Ladies’ College is facing nine counts, including sexual assault of a child under 16, grooming and possessing child abuse material.
  • Police told the court he contacted a 13-year-old on Snapchat, posed as 14, solicited explicit images, met her on September 25, kissed and touched her in a car, and sent a $50 Amazon gift card.
  • Prosecutors said investigators found child abuse material on his devices, including a school-issued iPad, and the magistrate noted he admitted the email and Snapchat handle tied to the alleged offending.
  • Bail terms require him to live with family in Altona North, report to police three times a week, observe a 10pm–6am curfew, surrender his passport and avoid Hawthorn.
  • He is restricted to a non-internet phone, may use a computer only for legal matters under supervision, must avoid social media, the complainant and any past or current MLC staff or students, and his father posted a $100,000 surety.