A MARRIED teacher has confessed to a string of sex offences after allegedly abusing a schoolboy for over a year – including while heavily pregnant.
Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, admitted to 15 charges on Tuesday after appearing via audio link in Mandurah Magistrates Court, New South Wales.
The former music teacher at Frederick Irwin Anglican School, south of Perth, was accused of “persistent sexual conduct” with a boy who was just 12 when the offending allegedly began.
Police claim the abuse continued until Craig was eight months pregnant – and that she later gave birth to the boy’s child.
Craig pleaded guilty to all charges, including sexual penetration of a child under 13, sexual penetration of a child over 13 and under 16, indecent dealings with a child under 13, and possessing child exploitation material.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch condemned the offending following the court appearance.
TWISTED MISS
Pregnant teacher, 33, is charged after ‘sexually abusing’ teenage boy
He said: “Child sex offences in our community are absolutely heinous.
“I think it shocks all members of our community and this is no different and I think it really strikes to the heart of most people’s understanding of child sex offences particularly when there’s a person in a position of authority or care of others and our children and the sanctity of schools.
“We’re all shocked and I hope the full weight of the law in relation to sentencing comes down on that individual.”
According to court documents, Craig’s offending allegedly spanned about 14 months, with incidents occurring across Silver Sands and nearby Meadow Springs.
Police initially charged Craig in December with four offences, including persistent sexual conduct with a child under 16.
Eleven further charges were laid this week by detectives from the Child Abuse Squad, 7News Australia reported.
Police believe Craig gave birth to the boy’s child earlier this month and it is understood DNA testing allegedly linked the newborn to the victim, according to the Australian outlet.
Blanch said: “I do understand there’s a general rule, depending on the age of the child, they can spend a portion of their life up to a certain age with their mother in custody.”
Craig was on maternity leave from her teaching role at the time of her arrest.
After that, Frederick Irwin Anglican School wrote to parents confirming a teacher had been charged.
The school said: “Police are investigating the matter. The teacher has been suspended from duty pending the outcome of the police investigation and any prosecution.
“The teacher has been instructed not to attend the school.
“The information available to the school suggests that there is no need for any concern for any other children at the school.”
The school has also stated the alleged victim was not a student there.
Craig, who was known professionally by her married name Naomi Woods, grew up in Mandurah and previously worked as a private music teacher before joining the school in 2024.
Her case has been fast-tracked to the District Court, where she will face a sentence mention on March 27.
Bail was continued, with Craig required to appear in person at the next hearing.