The principal of Scots College has issued a warning to ‘Old Boys’ to avoid speculation on social media after three students were charged over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in a Bondi Junction alleyway.
The alleged sexual assault took place on July 22, with the three teenage boys arrested on Thursday.
Two boys, aged 13 and 14, were each charged with aggravated sexual assault in company and two counts of aggravated sexual touching of another person.
A third boy, aged 14, was charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count of aggravated sexual touching of another person.
Dr Ian Lambert, principal of Scots College, published a message to the Old Boys’ Union addressing the police investigation, which has been seen by the Daily Mail.
‘There is a police investigation underway and, for that reason, it would not be appropriate for the college to comment on the specific allegations or make findings about what may have occurred,’ Dr Lambert said.
‘I also ask Old Boys to exercise care in any discussion of the matter, particularly online.
‘Speculation, commentary or material that identifies or targets young people can cause significant harm and may have serious consequences.’
Three students from Scots College have been charged over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in Sydney alleyway
Dr Lambert said that, while he would not be commenting on the investigation, the alleged behaviour is ‘never acceptable’ and ‘entirely inconsistent with the standards and values’ with Scots College.
‘At the same time, it is important that the investigation and legal process are allowed to take their course,’ he said.
The principal said allegations concerning individual students do not ‘define’ the community.
‘That does not lessen the seriousness of the present matter, but neither should the actions alleged of a small number be allowed to stand as a judgement on the many thousands of boys and men who have carried the values of the college into their families, professions and communities,’ he added.
‘Our immediate focus is on the care and wellbeing of the boys currently at the college.’
Dr Lambert said staff, pastoral teams, counsellors and chaplains will be supporting students and helping them process ‘what they are seeing and hearing and reminding them of the standards we expect of every Scots boy’.
He added that the college, which is Sydney’s most expensive private school with Year 12 fees costing more than $50,000 a year, continues to cooperate with police.
Police sources quoted by the Daily Telegraph on Friday said it was believed the accused and alleged victim knew each other and may have been drinking before the alleged incident.
Principal Dr Ian Lambert published a message to the Old Boys’ Union about the investigation
The boys were granted strict conditional bail and are due to appear before a children’s court on August 25.
Police revealed they had seized several electronic devices while executing search warrants on Thursday morning.
‘Police also seized two replica firearms, a Glock style BB gun, three laser pointers and a number plate – believed to have been allegedly stolen – from one of the homes,’ a NSW Police spokesperson said.
‘All of these items will also undergo forensic examination.’
Due to the serious nature of the charges, the individuals could face a criminal trial in the children’s court and potential jail time.
The arrests sent shockwaves through the exclusive Bellevue Hill school.
Less than 24 hours before the boys were charged, Scots College quietly announced it was postponing its annual ‘Giving Day’.
‘In light of the news affecting our College community this week, Giving Day has been postponed to Monday 17 August,’ the school wrote on Facebook.
‘Thank you for your understanding and support. We look forward to coming together on Monday.’
As police continue their investigation, the allegations have sparked intense scrutiny of the elite eastern suburbs school – while families connected to those accused have also found themselves under an unforgiving spotlight online.
The charges remain allegations and have not been tested in court.
