An assistant principal has admitted to sexually abusing and grooming young students using fake money and prizes on ‘Superhero’ days – where he dressed up as ‘Captain Obvious’.
Shane Matthews, 30, pleaded guilty to 56 charges stemming from the abuse of his students at Wattle Grove Public School in Sydney, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Victims and their parents broke down in tears as Matthews entered his pleas at Campbelltown Local Court on Thursday.
Shane Matthews, 30, pleaded guilty to 56 charges stemming from the abuse of his students at Wattle Grove Public School in Sydney
He admitted to sexually abusing and grooming young students using fake money and prizes on ‘Superhero’ days – where he dressed up as ‘Captain Obvious’
Matthews sexually assaulted his young victims – aged between 10 and 12 years old – in his classroom for more than 10 years.
Most of the abuse took place in a classroom during lessons and private tutorials.
He encouraged young boys to perform and receive sexual acts by giving them fake money as a reward.
The money was then used to purchase stationery items at auctions on ‘Superhero’ days.
Matthews sexually assaulted his young victims – aged between 10 and 12 years old – in his classroom for more than 10 years
Matthews taught at Wattle Grove for seven years before becoming assistant principal at Woodland Road Public School in Campbelltown in 2016.
Before he was arrested a school newsletter from Wattle Grove said Matthews was a ‘wonderful asset’ who would be ‘sorely missed’.
New South Wales child abuse officers arrested the teacher in September 2016.
He was originally charged with 14 offences, but those grew as more victims came forward.
Matthews is in custody and will next face Campbelltown District Court in February 2017.
Matthews taught at Wattle Grove for seven years before becoming assistant principal at Woodland Road Public School in Campbelltown in 2016