A former primary school teacher from Victoria's Gippsland region is currently standing trial on multiple charges, including allegations of indecent assault and sexual penetration of a child from the late 1990s. The proceedings, which began this week at the Latrobe Valley County Court, are expected to last approximately two weeks before Judge Geoffrey Chettle.

Nicole Anne Jones, also known by her former name, Nicky Cravino, aged 54, has pleaded not guilty to all 20 charges against her. These include 19 counts of an indecent act with a child under 16 years of age and one count of sexual penetration of a child under 16.

Prosecutors detailed the severe allegations, stating that the alleged offending occurred in 1999 when Ms. Jones was 27 years old and employed at a Catholic primary school in Gippsland. The alleged victim, now in his late 30s, reportedly came forward with his account in 2022, leading to Ms. Jones's arrest, subsequent charging, and suspension from teaching.

The court heard a disturbing narrative of alleged grooming tactics. Prosecutors described how Ms. Jones allegedly visited the boy's home for dinner on several occasions. During these visits, she is accused of tucking the child into bed, sucking his earlobes, and rubbing his legs and arms. Further allegations include the boy sitting on her lap, and Ms. Jones taking him to watch football and cricket games, and visiting him in hospital where she brought chocolates and kissed him on the forehead.

Witnesses, identified as the boy's former classmates, reportedly told the court that Ms. Jones showed clear favouritism towards him, with the child being considered the "teacher's pet." The prosecution further detailed alleged emotional manipulation, including Ms. Jones telling the child she loved him and sending him a card with the message, "Roses are red, violets are blue, if you were older, I'd marry you."

The allegations escalated to claims of physical contact, with the court hearing that the former teacher allegedly touched the boy's buttocks and genitals and engaged in a "tongue and kissing game" with him. Ms. Jones is also accused of taking the boy shopping, showering him with gifts, and taking him to the movies. Prosecutors stated she allegedly warned the boy that "bad things" would happen if he ever disclosed their interactions to anyone.

The most serious allegations detailed in court include an incident where Ms. Jones allegedly exposed herself and rubbed against the boy, who was reportedly wearing only boxer shorts, which prosecutors claim ultimately led to sexual penetration. The boy reportedly felt he loved her and "went along with the intercourse." Additionally, the court heard allegations of "dry sex" occurring in Ms. Jones's car.

In response to these grave accusations, defence barrister Paul Kounnas firmly stated that Ms. Jones denies all allegations of kissing or any sexual contact with the boy. "The defence is that none of these allegations happened. Not a single one," Mr. Kounnas told the court. The trial continues as both sides present their cases, with the community awaiting the verdict in this significant proceeding.