A Brisbane District Court judge recently heard a young person testify about the sexual abuse they endured at the hands of their teacher, Kellie Ann-Marie Whiteside, who groomed them starting when they were just 12 years old. The victim described the long-lasting emotional damage caused by the abuse, referring to themselves as a “damaged person.”
Whiteside, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of repeated sexual conduct with a minor. In a related development, the crown prosecutor withdrew 29 additional charges related to indecent treatment of a child under 16. Evidence presented in court revealed that Whiteside, while employed as a science teacher, manipulated her position of authority to initiate a sexual relationship with the victim that began in March 2015, shortly before the victim’s 13th birthday. This troubling relationship continued until March 2023, when the victim was 20 years old.
Crown prosecutor Cameron Wilkins explained that Whiteside initiated intimate communication with the minor by discussing her frustrations regarding her own marriage and exchanging explicit images over social media platforms. This inappropriate relationship involved sexual acts at various locations, including school grounds and in public restrooms, where Whiteside would provide the victim with alcohol to further manipulate the situation.
The victim read an emotional impact statement to the court, revealing the severe consequences the abuse had on their life, including the inability to form healthy relationships and frequent anxiety attacks. They expressed feelings of betrayal, having been taught about “stranger danger” while unaware of the real threat posed by a trusted adult. The victim’s mother lamented how joyful milestones in her child’s life have been overshadowed by the traumatic experiences linked to Whiteside.
In court, defence barrister James McNab argued that Whiteside experienced personal struggles, including post-natal depression and marital issues, at the time of her offences. He noted that she had since lost her teaching career and had actively sought rehabilitation.
The presiding Chief Judge, Brian Devereaux, condemned Whiteside’s actions as a significant breach of trust and accentuated the devastating impact on the victim and their family. He noted that her actions were particularly reprehensible because they exploited a vulnerable young person. Ultimately, Whiteside received a five-year prison sentence, with eligibility for parole in March 2027.
Support services for those affected by similar issues are readily available, including Lifeline and the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service.