A Sydney teacher, Peter James Adam, has been refused bail after being charged with inciting the sexual assault of two children. He is also accused of using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material.
Arrest and Charges
Mr. Adam, aged 63, was arrested on Wednesday following a search of a Bondi residence. He was subsequently charged with two counts of inciting to commit aggravated sexual assault while in the company of others, and one count of using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material.
Allegations
Prosecutors stated that Mr. Adam is accused of collaborating with another man, Todd Soulas, 35, to plan the sexual assault of two children. It was alleged that Mr. Adam sent photos of the children to Mr. Soulas, who reportedly used artificial intelligence to create pornographic material. Police also alleged that Mr. Adam received child abuse material from another young person in Mosman. Authorities reportedly rejected claims that Mr. Adam was merely assisting in a fantasy, asserting he took active steps for the alleged offenses to be committed. Mr. Soulas has also been charged with child abuse offenses, and his matter remains before the courts.
Court Proceedings
Mr. Adam appeared in a Sydney court on Thursday, confirming his profession as a teacher and stating his intention to resign. Prosecutor Sergeant Christopher Manning described the allegations as "abhorrent and concerning." Magistrate Margaret Quinn stated that the case against Mr. Adam appeared "exceedingly strong," characterizing the allegations as depicting "the worst sort of abuse" a child could experience. Bail was refused, and Mr. Adam was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear in court again in March.
School Response
International Grammar School (IGS), where Mr. Adam was employed as a primary school teacher, stated that he would be stood down. The school confirmed that the charges do not relate to students at IGS and emphasized that student safety is its highest priority. Support services have been offered to the school community.