A disgraced primary school teacher, Michael Anthony Lunn, has faced significant legal repercussions for his years of sexual abuse towards eight young children in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Lunn, 71, exploited his role as a trusted educator to target vulnerable students aged between four and eight, often abusing them in the classroom setting.
Victims recounted harrowing experiences in the NSW District Court, with some children detailing how Lunn would summon them to his desk, subsequently forcing them onto his lap and inappropriately touching them. One girl, then seven, attempted to protect herself by wearing an extra pair of underpants, but her effort was futile. She later shared how this experience still brings her to tears, highlighting the lasting emotional scars left by Lunn’s predatory actions. Another victim described the “invasive and sinister” nature of the abuse, despite being too young to fully comprehend its implications at the time.
Lunn was found guilty of multiple child sexual abuse charges in April and appeared for sentencing where Judge Paul McGuire underscored Lunn’s lack of remorse regarding his actions. Instead of accepting responsibility, Lunn dismissed the testimonies of his former students, suggesting they fabricated their allegations out of revenge or misinterpreted dreams as reality.
Judge McGuire pointed out the grave impact of such offences, which devastate childhood innocence and have enduring consequences. He emphasised children’s rights to protection from adults who misuse their trust for sexual gratification, reminding those present that Lunn had been entrusted with the care and wellbeing of these children by their parents and the community—an obligation he egregiously violated.
Victims expressed fears of punishment and disbelief should they report his actions, revealing the shattering psychological impact of Lunn’s behaviour. The judge concluded that Lunn displayed a deviant sexual interest in pre-pubescent children and determined a medium to average risk of reoffending.
In light of these findings, Lunn received a severe sentence of 19-and-a-half years in prison, with a minimum of 12 years and three months to be served before he may be eligible for parole.
For those affected by similar issues, support can be sought through Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800, tailored for young people aged 5 to 25.