St Gregory’s College has suspended two students charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl, as it tries to reassure parents of its approach to the scandal.
The Catholic school based in Campbelltown, southwest of Sydney, wrote to parents on Friday, according to reports, where principal Matthew Brennan said two 17-year-olds – who were charged in August along with a third alleged perpetrator – were under suspension.
“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,” he wrote in the letter cited by The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail.
“We have a clear responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all our students and staff.
“I want to reassure our community, including families, students and staff, that no student charged with a serious criminal offence, and where such proceedings are ongoing, would be permitted on campus in line with our safety obligations.”
The third co-accused who attends government-funded Elderslie High School had reportedly not been suspended.
Police allege the three boys repeatedly assaulted a 17-year-old girl at a home in the Macarthur region after she and one of the accused – both underage – went drinking at a pub until she felt unwell.
The boy is said to have taken her to a home, where he began the alleged assault. It is alleged he raped the girl before texting a friend “to join in”. It is further alleged that after both boys assaulted her, the alleged main perpetrator invited a third boy who also abused her.
The main alleged perpetrator did not apply for bail and faces 11 charges, including six counts of aggravated sexual assault in company of others.
The second alleged rapist was charged with eight offences, and the third with two. They have been released on bail under strict conditions, including daily reporting to police.
The three will next face the Children’s Court in October.
James DowlingScience and Health Reporter