Key Takeaways
- Naomi Tekea Craig, a 33-year-old teacher, has pleaded guilty to 15 counts of indecently dealing with a 13-year-old student
- The abuse occurred over a period of more than a year, from August 2024 to December 2025
- Craig is believed to have given birth to the boy’s child in January 2026
- She has been charged with multiple offenses, including sexual penetration of a child under 13 and possession of child exploitation material
- Craig’s case has been fast-tracked to the District Court for sentence mention on March 27
Introduction to the Case
A disturbing case of child abuse has come to light in Western Australia, where a teacher has admitted to sexually abusing a 13-year-old student over a period of more than a year. Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of indecently dealing with the youth, including sexual penetration of a child, in a court hearing on March 2026. The abuse is believed to have started in August 2024, when the boy was just 12 years old, and continued until Craig was charged in December 2025.
The Charges and Court Proceedings
Craig appeared in the Mandurah Magistrates Court via audio-link and entered guilty pleas to all the charges. Her case was subsequently fast-tracked to the District Court for sentence mention on March 27. The magistrate extended Craig’s bail with strict conditions, including no contact with the boy and no unsupervised contact with any children other than her baby, who was born on January 8. The court heard that Craig was excused from appearing in court in person due to a medical condition, but the magistrate made it clear that this exemption would not be extended to her next appearance.
The Alleged Abuse and Its Consequences
The alleged abuse is believed to have occurred while Craig was a teacher at a school in the Mandurah District, and the boy was a student. Western Australian Police Commissioner Col Blanch has said that a DNA test had been conducted after Craig gave birth, and it is believed that the victim was the father. The police have also stated that Craig engaged in persistent sexual conduct with the student, and that she possessed child exploitation material. The full extent of the abuse and its consequences are still being investigated, but it is clear that the boy and his family have suffered greatly as a result of Craig’s actions.
The School and Community Response
The school where Craig was teaching has not been named, but it is reported to be the Frederick Irwin Anglican School in Mandurah. The school and the community are likely to be shocked and disturbed by the allegations, and it is essential that they receive support and guidance to deal with the aftermath of the abuse. The school may need to review its policies and procedures to ensure that such abuse cannot happen again in the future. The community may also need to come together to support the boy and his family, and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children from abuse.
The Importance of Support and Prevention
The case highlights the importance of supporting victims of child abuse and preventing such abuse from occurring in the first place. The National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service and the Kids Helpline are available to provide support and guidance to those affected by the abuse. It is essential that we prioritize the safety and well-being of children and take all necessary steps to prevent child abuse. This includes educating children about their rights and how to report abuse, as well as providing training and resources to teachers and other adults who work with children.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the case of Naomi Tekea Craig is a disturbing reminder of the need to protect children from abuse and exploitation. Craig’s guilty plea is a significant step towards justice, but it is only the beginning. The court will need to determine an appropriate sentence for Craig, and the community will need to come together to support the boy and his family. The case also highlights the importance of prevention and education, and the need for all of us to be vigilant in protecting children from abuse. As the case progresses, it is essential that we prioritize the safety and well-being of children and take all necessary steps to prevent such abuse from happening again in the future.