A teacher at Sydney’s prestigious Knox Grammar school allegedly told a teenager: “Does it turn you on that you’re the same age as some of my students?” a court heard.
William Roberto Gulson, 27, appeared in his Knox teacher’s uniform at a bail hearing in Sydney on Saturday, charged with child abuse over his alleged communications with a 15-year-old.
Gulson was arrested in Wahroonga on Friday and taken to Hornsby Police Station, where he was charged with enticing or seducing a child under 16 for illegal sexual activity.
Earlier this month, police launched an investigation into allegations that a man had manipulated a child online.
Gulson appeared in Parramatta Magistrates Court via video link from Surry Hills police station. He appeared on screen wearing a jacket with the Knox Grammar logo and his hands were cuffed.
The court heard that the complainant in this case was in the 9th grade and 15 years old.
The court was told that Gulson told the complainant: ‘Sorry man, I’m feeling very conflicted, does it turn you on that you’re the same age as some of my students?’
Mr Gulson knew the teenager’s age at the time, the court was told.
William Roberto Gulson, 27, appeared in Sydney for a bail hearing on Saturday, charged with child abuse over his alleged communications with a 15-year-old
Gulson is seen leaving Surry Hills police station in his Knox teacher’s uniform
Gulson was confronted by reporters after his court hearing on Saturday
Knox Grammar teacher William Gulson (pictured) allegedly told a teenager: “Does it turn you on that you’re the same age as some of my students?” a court heard.
The court heard that evidence of the communications was found on his phone, which police seized when he was arrested.
Edward Gilson, Gulson’s legal aid lawyer, told the court the alleged offences were the result of “effective vigilantism” and “baiting”.
“There is no pattern of behaviour,” Mr Gilson told the court.
The case against Gulson was described as an “extremely strong charge”. Prosecutors opposed his release on bail, citing the risk of further offending and the safety of the community.
He was released on bail but was given a number of conditions, including not being allowed to contact anyone under the age of 18 and not being allowed to loiter near Knox Grammar.
Gulson will appear in court again later this month
Gulson is escorted out of Surry Hills police station by a police officer on Saturday
He must also surrender his passport and is not allowed to enter the airport.
In a letter to parents, Knox Grammar principal Scott James wrote that Gulson’s employment had been terminated.
“I am writing to inform you that late this afternoon a high school teacher was charged by police in connection with allegations of online grooming of a minor,” he wrote.
In a letter to parents, Knox Grammar principal Scott James (pictured) said Gulson’s employment had been terminated
‘When this was brought to our attention, the teacher in question was immediately removed from the school and his employment was terminated.
“We can only write to you now that the teacher has been charged, but we may still be limited in what we can say due to the ongoing police investigation.”
Gulson will appear in court again later this month.
