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 Sydney alleyway.
The alleged sexual assault took place on July 22, with the three teenage boys arrested on Thursday.
Two of the boys, aged 13 and 14, were charged with aggravated sexual assault in company and two counts of aggravated sexual touching.
Another boy, 14, was charged with one count each of the same offences.
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. Â
‘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
Principal Dr Ian Lambert published a message to the Old Boys’ Union about the investigation
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’.Â
He added that the college continues to cooperate with police.Â
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.
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.’
More to come.
