Former Prestigious School Swimming Coach Released on Bail Following Serious Child Sexual Assault Allegations
A former high school swimming coach facing multiple serious charges relating to the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl has been granted bail under exceptionally strict conditions. The decision was handed down in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday, with the accused, 31-year-old Jayden Brian, visibly showing relief as the ruling was delivered.
Disturbing Allegations Involving Social Media Grooming
The court heard disturbing details of the alleged offences, which prosecutors claim began in September 2025. According to police allegations, Brian connected with the 13-year-old victim through the social media application Snapchat while posing as a 14-year-old boy. The communications reportedly became increasingly explicit, culminating in Brian allegedly sending a video of himself masturbating to the young girl.
Police further allege that Brian then arranged to meet the child with the intention of having sexual intercourse in exchange for cigarettes and alcohol. The prosecution claims that on September 25, Brian kissed and sexually touched the victim in his vehicle before presenting her with a $50 Amazon gift card.
Investigation and Arrest Following Victim's Report
The young girl reportedly disclosed the incident to friends and her sister before making a formal complaint to authorities two days later. This led to a police investigation and Brian's subsequent arrest while he was coaching a student swimming session at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre last October.
During the arrest, officers allegedly discovered child abuse material on Brian's electronic devices, including an iPad issued by Methodist Ladies' College where he was employed. The discovery of this material significantly escalated the seriousness of the charges against him.
Multiple Serious Charges and Bail Considerations
Brian faces nine separate criminal charges including intentional sexual touching of a child under 16, grooming offences, and possession of child abuse material. He had been held in custody since his arrest in October but applied for bail last week, leading to Friday's court decision.
Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and noted that the prosecution's case appeared strong. She specifically referenced the recorded statement provided by the alleged victim and Brian's admission that his email address and Snapchat handle were connected to the alleged offending.
The magistrate emphasised that the 13-year-old girl was clearly a vulnerable young person whose safety needed to be paramount when assessing Brian's potential risk to the community. However, after careful consideration, she determined that a comprehensive set of stringent bail conditions could mitigate this risk to an acceptable level.
Comprehensive Bail Conditions Imposed
The bail conditions imposed on Brian are notably restrictive and designed to prevent any potential reoffending or contact with vulnerable individuals. These include:
- A strict curfew requiring Brian to remain at his residence between 10pm and 6am
- A complete prohibition on using smartphones or any devices capable of accessing social media or dating applications
- A ban on contacting, stalking, or engaging in predatory behaviour toward the alleged victim
- Restrictions preventing Brian from approaching locations where the victim lives or attends school
- A prohibition on contacting any current or former students
Background and Employment Termination
Prior to his arrest, Brian had been employed for nine years at the prestigious Methodist Ladies' College in Kew, an eastern suburb of Melbourne. The school has since terminated his employment following the allegations. During Friday's hearing, Brian participated via video link from prison and spoke only to confirm his understanding of the bail conditions imposed upon him.
The case has been adjourned until February 27, when Brian is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings. The decision to grant bail in such serious cases involving child sexual offences remains controversial and is carefully scrutinised by both legal professionals and child protection advocates.
