4 days ago
Lake Macquarie teacher accused of sexually abusing 15yo boy to stand trial
A high school teacher will stand trial after pleading not guilty to grooming and sexually abusing a teenage boy near Newcastle.
Karly Rae appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday where she pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual intercourse with a child in October 2024.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in jail.
A second count of the same charge was withdrawn.
Court documents allege that she communicated with the 15-year-old on social media.
Ms Rae was arrested by the Child Abuse Squad in October last year, after an investigation into alleged child abuse.
The teacher from a Lake Macquarie high school also pleaded not guilty to possessing child abuse material and grooming a child for unlawful sexual activity.
She also denied allegedly intending to pervert the course of justice.
Ms Rae wiped away tears as her brief committal hearing proceeded before Magistrate Ian Cheetham.
Each charge was read out separately and Ms Rae replied "not guilty" on four occasions.
Wednesday's committal hearing was uncontested and Magistrate Cheetham, satisfied with the evidence, committed the case to a higher court for trial.
The case was adjourned to Newcastle District Court on July 3, when a trial date is expected to be set.
