Two of the three boys accused of raping a 17-year-old girl will be suspended from St. Gregory's Catholic High School, principal Matthew Brennan confirmed in a letter to parents Friday.
"We have a clear responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all our students and staff," Brennan stated in the letter. "Whilst we are unable to share the details, we have already commenced disciplinary action in accordance with our established policy. That policy clearly provides for the suspension of students suspected of criminal behaviour."
The principal added that no student charged with a serious criminal offense and with ongoing proceedings would be permitted on campus.
Three boys, all 17 years old, are accused of an hours-long sexual assault that occurred on August 15. Two of the accused attend St. Gregory's in Campbelltown, southwest Sydney, while the third attends Elderslie High School. Elderslie High School has not yet suspended its student, according to reports.
Allegations in Court
During a court hearing Friday, police prosecutor Sergeant Rhonda Riley detailed allegations. The alleged instigator, a student at St. Gregory's, is accused of luring the girl to a home after a football game and drinks, where she allegedly felt sick. He is then accused of raping her before texting a friend to join. The second boy, also from St. Gregory's, allegedly arrived and participated in the assault. The third boy, from Elderslie High School, is accused of two counts of aggravated sexual assault in company.
Police allege the first two boys bragged about the attack to a third friend, encouraging him to also assault the girl. This third boy then allegedly arrived at the house and engaged in non-consensual sex with her.
Bail Decisions
The alleged instigator, who faces the most charges including six counts of aggravated sexual assault in company and three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, did not apply for bail and remains in juvenile detention. His two co-accused applied for bail.
Lawyers for the two co-accused cited strong family support, schooling commitments, and lack of prior criminal histories. Children's Court Judge Jeff Tunks acknowledged these factors but described the alleged attack as a "degrading" and "humiliating" ordeal with "elements of menace."
Despite the judge's description, bail was granted to the two co-accused with strict conditions. They are ordered to be of good behavior, report to police daily, and abide by a home detention order. They are also prohibited from contacting each other or witnesses, must surrender travel documents, and are limited to possessing only one phone.
The cases for all three teenagers are scheduled to return to court in October.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028