A former high school teacher in New South Wales, Australia, has admitted to a series of appalling crimes against a teenage boy. Karly Rae, 37, a new mother herself, pleaded guilty to four charges in Newcastle District Court, bringing a disturbing chapter to a painful legal process.
The case initially unfolded with Rae entering a not-guilty plea in May, facing accusations of sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old, possessing child abuse material, and grooming the boy for unlawful sexual activity. She also faced a charge related to attempting to obstruct justice, a desperate act layered upon already devastating allegations.
Rae’s legal team had urgently requested the case be expedited, citing her recent motherhood. This plea for priority, however, did little to diminish the gravity of the offenses she ultimately confessed to. She had previously been denied bail, only to be released in June after revealing she was pregnant.
The court heard harrowing details of the abuse, which took place in the suburbs of Newcastle, a coastal city north of Sydney. The relationship began and flourished through the insidious channels of social media – Snapchat and Instagram – leaving a digital trail of predatory behavior.
Messages presented as evidence revealed a chilling pattern of manipulation and control. In one exchange, Rae confessed to removing the boy from her Snapchat, admitting it was “too tempting” for her. When he questioned their connection, she took “full responsibility,” seemingly attempting to shift the blame while simultaneously maintaining contact.
The exchanges grew increasingly brazen. Rae even suggested a final meeting before school resumed, a disturbing proposition accompanied by the phrase, “I’ll bring my toy.” This calculated language underscored the predatory nature of her actions and the deliberate grooming of a vulnerable teenager.
The abuse was brought to light by the boy’s cousin, who discovered the exchanges on Instagram and alerted his parents. Their swift action led to a police investigation, exposing Rae’s deceit and the extent of her crimes.
Upon arrest, Rae falsely claimed she believed the boy was of age, stating she thought he was finished with school. This attempt to deflect responsibility proved futile in the face of overwhelming evidence. Her trial, originally scheduled for 2026, has been bypassed by the guilty plea.
Rae remains on bail, awaiting a sentencing hearing on March 25th. Judge Roy Ellis has ordered a comprehensive sentencing assessment report, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the case before a final judgment is delivered. The community now awaits justice for the victim and a reckoning for the betrayal of trust.
