Former Geraldton teacher Scott Andrew Cox, charged with historic sex offences, described as ‘favourite’

A former high school co-ordinator charged with historic sexual offences against a teenager has been described as a “favourite” teacher who worked closely with a 2002 class as their counsellor. Scott Andrew Cox faced Perth Magistrate’s Court on Monday charged with three counts of sexually penetrating a 15-year-old and one count of indecently dealing with her while he was a teacher. The West Australian revealed on Monday that the 49-year-old had also worked as a teacher at prestigious all-girls school Perth College. During the hearing, the court was told the offences took place between September and October in 2001 in Geraldton. Mr Cox taught at Geraldton Senior College, which has since been renamed Geraldton Senior High School, from as early as 1998. It is believed he did not teach his own classes but acted as a relief teacher while holding a guidance counsellor role. He was the Year Eight sub-school leader in 1998 and followed the cohort through their high school journey as Year Nine sub-school leader as well as Year 10, 11 and 12 co-ordinator until 2002. That year Mr Cox, who now lives in Doubleview, wrote in the Year 11 co-ordinator report that 2002 had provided many “interesting and challenging experiences” for the students at GSC. “Overall it has been a fantastically invigorating year where Year 11 can stand unified and be proud of their achievement and endeavour,” he wrote. “With 12 months to go, there must be what can only be described as excitement, apprehension and fear.” In the GSC 2002 yearbook “Reflections”, Mr Cox wrote that one word described all of the Year 12 cohort — “unique”. “Year 12 has a uniqueness that cannot be matched by anyone,” he wrote. “I hope they continue to value this. Build on and make the most of the opportunities you have been given. “Remember when next tackled with a problem apply these three words — unity, knowledge and endeavour.” The Department of Education refused to comment on Mr Cox’s time at GSC. The news of his court appearance was met with shock by ex-students and members of the Geraldton community, with many taking to social media to express their disbelief. “What!?! He was my favourite teacher,” one wrote. “This is crazy, surely it isn’t true. He was so nice,” another commented. “He looks devastated because his life and career has just been utterly destroyed. A great teacher, family man and friend ... if you actually knew him,” another wrote. A May 2020 report from the American-based Blackburn Centre concluded false reports of sexual assault were rare. “Historically, victims and survivors of sexual assault have been met with disbelief when they tell their stories,” it said. “This can be especially challenging when the accused is well-respected in the community or in a position of power. “Research shows that between 2.1 and 7.1 per cent of sexual assault allegations are false. At the same time, most — 63 per cent — sexual assaults are never reported to the police.” Mr Cox was also a teacher at Geraldton Grammar School from 2007 and held the role of head of student development in 2009. GGS principal Neesha Flint said the charges did not relate to any past or present Geraldton Grammar School students. In a statement, Perth College also confirmed a teacher formerly employed by them was “facing charges related to alleged child sexual offences” not against any past or present Perth College students. The college declined to say for how long Mr Cox had been at the school or when exactly his employment ended. His name was mentioned in a 2021 Perth College curriculum handbook. Mr Cox was remanded on bail and is expected to appear in court again in December.