A 30-year-old music teacher in New South Wales is likely to be sentenced to prison after admitting to having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student under her care, a court has heard.
Monique Kieuoanh Nguyen appeared at Parramatta District Court on Thursday, where she pleaded guilty to sexual intercourse with a person aged between 17 and 18 under special care. She also admitted to using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material.
The court was told the incidents occurred at a school where Nguyen was employed as a teacher. Prosecutors said she engaged in sexual activity with the student during a time when she was expected to be teaching him.
Nguyen kept her head lowered and wore a face mask as she entered and exited the court. During proceedings, she became emotional and wiped away tears.
Crown prosecutor Sarah Beaumont argued that a custodial sentence was necessary due to the seriousness of the offences and the breach of trust involved. She told the court that students and their families have a right to expect that teachers will not exploit their authority.
“The offender exploited a special relationship,” Beaumont said, adding that imprisonment was the only appropriate outcome given the circumstances.
The prosecution sought to have Nguyen taken into custody immediately ahead of sentencing. However, her defence lawyer opposed the application, arguing that she should remain on bail to continue receiving treatment for mental health issues.
The defence said that time in custody before sentencing could negatively impact her mental health and disrupt ongoing care.
Judge Anthony Colefax declined the request to remand Nguyen in custody. He acknowledged that while a full-time prison sentence was likely, it was not guaranteed.
The judge noted that taking Nguyen into custody at this stage could interrupt her progress in addressing her mental health concerns before sentencing.
In addition to the primary charges, Nguyen admitted to nine counts of sexually touching a person aged between 17 and 18 under special care. These offences will be taken into account when the court determines her final sentence.
After the judge refused the detention application, Nguyen broke down in court and embraced her family members present in the gallery.
The case highlights the legal protections in place for students, even those above the age of consent, when they are under the authority or supervision of a teacher. Such relationships are considered a serious breach of professional and legal obligations.
Nguyen is scheduled to return to Parramatta District Court for sentencing on May 29, when the court will determine whether she will receive a custodial sentence.
English (United States) ·