A Victorian primary school teacher, Nicole Anne Jones (formerly Nicky Cravino), is on trial at the Latrobe Valley County Court over allegations of sexual abuse against a boy in the late 1990s.

Jones faces 19 counts of indecent act with a child under 16 and one count of sexual penetration of a child under 16. Prosecutor David O'Doherty told the court the alleged offences occurred in 1999 when Jones was 27 years old and employed at a Gippsland Catholic primary school.

The alleged victim, now in his late 30s, came forward in 2022, leading to Jones's arrest, charges, and suspension from teaching. The trial, which began on Tuesday, heard that Jones had visited the boy's home for dinner on multiple occasions. Former classmates described the boy as the "teacher's pet," with Jones allegedly showing him favouritism.

Jones is accused of grooming the boy, telling him she loved him, and writing him a card stating, "Roses are red, violets are blue, if you were older, I'd marry you." Prosecutors also allege that Jones exposed herself to the boy, rubbed against him while he was in boxer shorts, and coerced him into sexual penetration.

Jones, 54, has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Defence barrister Paul Kounnas told the court that Jones denied any kissing or sexual contact with the boy.

The trial is presided over by Judge Geoffrey Chettle and is expected to last about two weeks.

Warning: This story contains detailed descriptions of alleged child sexual assault.

Sources