A Sydney teacher accused of conspiring to drug and sexually assault two children has been refused bail, with a magistrate labelling the alleged evidence in the case as 'graphic' and 'revolting'.
'Abhorrent' Allegations Detailed in Court
Peter James Adam, a 63-year-old teacher from the International Grammar School in inner Sydney, was arrested in Bondi on Wednesday. Police moved in after uncovering allegedly incriminating messages between Adam and another accused man, 35-year-old Todd Anthony Soulas, who is also before the courts.
Prosecutors told Waverley Local Court that the alleged conversations, spanning from June 2024 to July 2025, detailed plans for the sexual assaults. When Adam appeared via videolink from Surry Hills police station on Thursday, police described the facts as 'abhorrent and concerning'.
Magistrate Margaret Quinn was told, "These facts depict the accused actively taking steps to allow (the children) to be drugged and sexually assaulted by the co-accused." In reading the alleged messages, Ms Quinn stated, "(They're) fairly revolting sort of messages I have to say - graphic."
Disturbing Details of the Alleged Plot
Court documents revealed the teacher had allegedly discussed 'pimping' out a young boy for extra cash and sending a girl's underwear to Soulas. It is further alleged Adam took photos of both children in vulnerable positions.
Prosecutors said the co-accused, Soulas, planned to use artificial intelligence to create child abuse material from these images. In one exchange about involving a girl in the plot, Soulas allegedly said, "Well, that's fine, we can drug her. We can record her having sex with a dog and own her anonymously."
Police opposed bail, arguing Adam would pose a danger to the alleged victims and the community and could interfere with witnesses. His Legal Aid solicitor, Julian Balloot, proposed strict conditions including daily police reporting, surrendering his passport, and bans on encrypted apps.
School Response and Co-Accused's Charges
Magistrate Quinn refused bail, citing an exceedingly strong prosecution case and an unacceptable risk. Adam, who did not speak, bowed his head as the decision was handed down. His wife, Genet Erickson-Adam, a deputy head at Cranbrook School, listened to the virtual hearing.
The International Grammar School confirmed Adam had been stood down. A spokeswoman said, "The school has assured parents and carers that the safety of IGS students remains the school's highest priority." The school later edited social media posts to remove references to the teacher.
Adam was charged with two counts of incitement to commit aggravated sexual assault in company and using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material. He will next appear at Waverley Local Court on 12 March.
Todd Anthony Soulas faces 23 separate charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child, child prostitution, and possessing bestiality material. He remains on remand and is scheduled to appear at Burwood Local Court on 4 February.
