Three Sydney Private School Students Face Court Over Alleged Gang Sexual Assault

SYDNEY — Three teenage students from one of Sydney’s most prestigious private schools appeared in court on Tuesday to face serious charges of sexual assault. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the community, involves three boys—two aged 14 and one aged 13—who are students at the elite Scots College.

The trio appeared at the Surry Hills Children’s Court, though they remained outside the courtroom during the proceedings. The charges stem from an alleged incident that took place in an alleyway in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Wednesday, 22 July. Court documents allege that the assault occurred over a period of 55 minutes.

The Charges and Bail Conditions

The nature of the charges highlights the gravity of the allegations. One 14-year-old and the 13-year-old have been charged with aggravated sexual assault in the company of others, alongside two counts of aggravated sexual touching. The third boy, also 14, faces the same charge of aggravated sexual assault in the company of others, with one count of aggravated sexual touching.

The boys, who have not yet entered a plea, remain on conditional bail. As part of their strict bail conditions, the court has mandated that they:

• Observe a curfew between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by parents.
• Refrain from contacting the alleged victim.
• Avoid contact with each other outside of school hours.
• Stay at least 200 metres away from the alleged victim, as per an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).
• Avoid entering the suburb of Bondi Junction.

Legal Warnings and Media Restrictions

During the hearing, Judge Sue Duncombe issued a stern warning to the media regarding the protection of the teenagers’ identities. Under the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act, it is strictly prohibited to publish any information that could identify a child involved in criminal proceedings.

Judge Duncombe noted that the case has generated intense public interest, stating, “This matter has obviously attracted a lot of media attention so far. There have already been some repercussions on some of the young people from being identified.”

Ahead of the hearing, defamation lawyer Rebekah Giles, representing two of the accused, wrote to various media outlets to remind them of their legal obligations following reports that some of the boys’ names had already been circulated in online forums and comment sections.

Institutional Response

The case has drawn scrutiny toward Scots College, an institution known as one of Australia’s oldest and most expensive schools, with annual fees reaching approximately $47,000. In a statement released on 13 August, the school confirmed it is fully cooperating with the New South Wales Police.

“Scots College is aware three students are under investigation by NSW Police in relation to an alleged incident that occurred outside school hours,” the statement read.

As the sexual assault case continues, the matter has been adjourned for eight weeks. The accused are scheduled to return to court on 20 October.