ALBION PARK MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD SEX OFFENCES TOLD POLICE ACTS WERE FOR SEX EDUCATION
An Albion Park couple charged with child sex offences told police they performed sexual acts on each other and a child for the purposes of sex education.Thomas William Franklin, of Coachwood Dr, appeared in Wollongong Local Court yesterday charged with multiple child sex offences, including two counts of having sexual intercourse with a child between 14 and 16 years old.
His fiancee Louise Galbraith was also charged in connection with the incidents.
Police records show Galbraith told investigators that the pair were not performing these acts for their own sexual gratification but for the child's sexual education.
Police allege Franklin, a 26-year-old train driver, engaged the teen in sexual conversations on multiple occasions and showed inappropriate websites and pictures.
On one occasion, Franklin indecently assaulted the girl before Galbraith joined them in performing sex acts on Franklin.
Galbraith later admitted to police that she knew her actions were illegal and wrong.
Franklin appeared in bail court before Magistrate Michael Stoddart charged with grooming a child for unlawful sexual activity, indecent assault of a person under 16, act of indecency with a person under 16, and multiple counts of sexual intercourse with a minor.
No plea was entered, and bail was granted with conditions including surrendering passports and refraining from volunteer work with a youth organization.
Franklin is scheduled to appear in court on September 2, while Galbraith is due on September 7.
