Mazenod College teacher investigated over historic child sex allegations

By SALONEE MISTRY

Mazenod College students were today told a former female teacher was being investigated by police over child sex allegations.

Principal Tony Coghlan emailed students and alumni of the all-boys Catholic school to alert them to a "pending criminal matter".

Mr Coghlan wrote the offences allegedly occurred in the 1990s. It is not known how many victims there are, or if anyone has been charged.

He said the issue had come to the school's attention around 18 months ago, when it received notice of civil litigation from lawyers representing a former student.

In the statement, Mr Coghlan said the school "immediately reported the allegation to Victoria Police and cooperated fully in the investigation".

Mazenod College is the latest Catholic school to reveal historic sex abuse claims against a staff member is being investigated.

School records indicate the accused teacher worked at the college for two years during the 1990s, before choosing to resign and move interstate.

“The college views this allegation very seriously as the Mazenod Community is committed to the safety, well-being and protection of all students in our care,” Mr Coghlan's statement read.

Mr Coghlan urged anyone who was concerned about the allegations, or child safety at the school, to contact him.

MOJO News contacted Victoria Police and is awaiting further information on whether or not charges have been laid against the former teacher.