A disgraced high school teacher who confessed to sexual offences with male students faced divorce proceedings initiated by her husband merely one week before her courtroom admission of guilt. Physical education instructor Tayla Brailey, aged 32, entered a guilty plea last month for engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old student and sexually touching a 16-year-old in 2024.
Legal and Personal Turmoil Unfold
Brailey also pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to access child abuse material and to transmit such material to herself. According to reports, her husband, Isaiah Rizza, whom she married in 2023 after a five-year relationship, informed her in early February that he intended to end their marriage.
An affidavit submitted by Brailey's mother, Leanne, disclosed that the shamed teacher consented to sign the divorce documents on February 24, barely seven days prior to her appearance at Campbelltown Local Court.
Details of the Offences Emerge
Brailey, a former teacher of physical education and community and family studies at Lurnea High School, was arrested in August 2024. Police allegations indicate that she initiated contact with the first student after he added her on Snapchat, leading to an exchange of sexually explicit videos.
During school holidays, she allegedly masturbated the teenager at her residence in North Wollongong, with the pair spending hours kissing in a spare room. On a separate occasion, Brailey engaged in unprotected sex with the student in the back of a car after he skipped school to meet her, subsequently visiting a pharmacy to obtain the morning-after pill, as detailed in court proceedings.
Mental Health and Defence Arguments
Brailey admitted to sending inappropriate and explicit messages to the teens, including topless videos. She attributed her behaviour to feeling 'off the planet with hormones' following the removal of a contraceptive device. Since her arrest, she has been subject to stringent bail conditions.
A psychological report presented to the court revealed that Brailey has been undergoing treatment for a pre-existing bipolar disorder. Despite the severity of her crimes, she has maintained amicable relations with her husband and family.
Her barrister contended that factors such as her remorse, early guilty plea, and mental health conditions should influence the decision on whether a full-time custodial sentence is warranted. Sentencing for Brailey is scheduled later this year.
