Teacher given historical child abuse charges, police call for information

CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged child abuse.

Police are calling for information as they investigate the alleged abuse a teacher is accused of committing against a student over three decades ago.

The college caught up in the allegations has also joined the call and has asked its community to assist police if possible.

An ACT Policing spokesperson said the man taught Physical Education (PE) at St Francis Xavier College in Florey from 1984 to 1993.

In September 2024, the now-67-year-old was handed several charges accusing him of repeatedly raping or indecently abusing a female student when he was a teacher at the school.

The man no longer works at the college and does not live in the ACT.

Region has not named him as his charges are before the courts.

On Wednesday (22 January), the police spokesperson said officers from the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team were continuing to investigate the alleged actions of the man while he was teaching at the school.

“Investigators are seeking relevant information from former students or staff who were at the school from 1984 to 1993,” the spokesperson said.

“Anyone with information about the teacher’s interactions with students at this time is urged to come forward.”

Meanwhile, after ACT Policing made its appeal to the public, St Francis Xavier College also released a statement to its community on Wednesday.

“Child protection matters are given the highest priority by St Francis Xavier College as well as Catholic Education Canberra and we undertake our obligations for child safety seriously,” the statement says.

“ACT Policing are requesting information related to our school community dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.

“We encourage anyone who has information that may assist the police in their investigation to contact them as a matter of priority.”

If you can assist police, contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000. Quote reference number 7910473.

If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, the Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.