Teacher accused of grooming has all charges dropped
Rex Martinich |
A female teacher previously facing trial accused of grooming a 15-year-old male student for sexual abuse has had all charges against her dropped.
Chelsea Jane Edwards, 30, in January 2024 was committed at Brisbane Magistrates Court to stand trial on two charges of facilitating the procurement of a child to engage in a sexual act as a carer.
Ms Edwards, of Paradise Point on the Gold Coast, was working as a teacher at Indooroopilly State High School when prosecutors previously alleged the offences took place.
Crown prosecutor Hannah Mangione in January 2024 claimed Ms Edwards wrote an email to herself about her fondness for the 15-year-old student at a time when she was previously alleged to seek engagement with the boy outside of school.
The matter was heard on April 2, 2025 in Brisbane District Court and all charges and the entire case were discharged by Chief Judge Brian Devereaux.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed the case would not go ahead.
“The matter was discontinued after a consideration of all the admissible evidence when it was determined that there were not reasonable prospects of securing a conviction on either charge,” the spokesperson said.
Prosecutors declared nolle prosequi, which is a formal notification to the judge that the Crown will not proceed with a matter before the court.
In January 2024 Magistrate Ross Mack dismissed a single charge of indecently filming a child against Ms Edwards as police did not have evidence as to when a photo of alleged indecency with a child was taken.
Defence solicitor Alex Somers told Mr Mack the alleged victim had “expressly disavowed (Edwards) being predatory or aggressive towards him in any way and he denies being taken advantage of”.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
AAP
