Source : Perth Now news
Two senior students from St Gregory’s College have been suspended from campus following allegations of a group sexual assault involving a teenage girl in Sydney’s south-west.
The Catholic school in Campbelltown took action after the 17-year-old boys were charged alongside a third teenager over an incident in the Macarthur region.
Police allege the main perpetrator took an underage girl to a home after drinking at a pub, where he assaulted her while she was unwell.
He then allegedly texted two friends to join him, leading to repeated assaults by all three boys.
Addressing the community in a letter on Friday, St Gregory’s College principal Matthew Brennan moved to calm rising concerns among families regarding campus safety.
“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,” Mr Brennan wrote.
“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.”
It remains unclear whether the third accused teenager, who attends Elderslie High School, has been suspended.
The primary suspect did not apply for bail and faces 11 charges, including six counts of aggravated sexual assault in company.
The remaining two teenagers face eight and two charges respectively. Both have been granted bail under strict conditions, requiring them to report to local police daily.
All three teenagers are scheduled to appear before the Children’s Court in October.
