A swim coach at an all-girls preparatory high school in Australia has been charged with three child sex offenses.
Jayden Brian, the full-time swimming coach at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) in Melbourne, has been charged by Victoria Police, according to The Herald Sun, and appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on three charges: sex assault by touching a child under 16, grooming a child under 16 and using a service provider to procure an under 16 year old for a sexual act.
Brian has been taken into custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on January 6.
He has worked with the MLC Aquatic program for nine years, but was not a teacher at the high school. Brian was hired as an assistant swim coach in 2016 and was promoted to head coach in 2021. Prior to his time at MLC, he was a Performance Pathways Coach at Swimming Victoria.
MLC principal Julia Shea and MLC Aquatic president Natalie Hood released a joint statement on Friday, detailing when they became aware of Brian’s offenses and confirming he is no longer employed with the school. They also said the child involved in the charges is not connected to the MLC swim team or the school.
“We can confirm that on Monday, 6 October, MLC was advised by Victoria Police that a coach engaged for MLC Aquatic, the competitive swim club, has been charged with serious child-related offenses,” the statement said, according to The Herald Sun.
“Police have advised that the child is not connected with MLC Aquatic or the MLC school and that the alleged conduct occurred outside employment hours and was not related to any employment activities.
“The coach is no longer working with MLC Aquatic, and they have no access to swimmers, students, or College facilities. Their employment with MLC has been terminated.
“We know this is difficult news for many in our community, and our focus is on steady routines and appropriate support for school students and club members.”
Brian, a former competitive swimmer with the Wyndham City Swimming Club and described by the Herald Sun as a prominent figure in the Melbourne swimming community, is also a qualified physiotherapist, earning a Master’s degree from La Trobe University in 2020.
Last year, he was named to the Australian team staff for the 2024 Oceania Swimming Championships.
Heck. This is terrible.