A Salvation Army support worker who had sex with a teenager at his homeless shelter will spend at least six months behind bars.
Friday Fredrick Jeremiah, 35, was sentenced on Wednesday in the Downing Center District Court in Sydney after pleading guilty to having sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl who was in his care.
The therapeutic youth support worker, who emigrated from Nigeria in 2008, took advantage of the girl’s “vulnerability” to approach her and have sexual relations with her.
The court heard how Jeremiah had asked the girl “what she liked” sexually, which made her feel “uncomfortable”.
The crime occurred when he took the victim out of the shelter and took her to a nearby park, where he grabbed her head and kissed her.
He then took her to a tree and pulled down her pants before engaging in sexual activity. news.com.au reported.
A Salvation Army support worker who had sex with a teenager at his homeless shelter will spend at least six months behind bars
The court heard Jeremiah left and returned to the shelter, but told the girl to wait 10 minutes before returning to avoid raising suspicions.
The girl then texted a friend to tell her what had happened.
The court heard Jeremiah continued to message the victim for months after she left the shelter, and even sent her a photo of his genitals.
She She later sent Jeremiah a message saying that their relationship was inappropriate and made a complaint.
Judge Andrew Scotting said Jeremiah was “deceptive” and “secretive” about their relationship.
The court heard that Jeremiah asked the girl to save his contact as ‘Uncle Chad’ and He told her not to tell other workers about their friendship.
He also gave her “life advice” and emotional support while she remained at the center.
The youth therapeutic support worker, who emigrated from Nigeria in 2008, took advantage of the girl’s “vulnerability” to approach her and have sexual relations with her (file image)
Judge Scotting noted the “significant age difference” at play and called Jeremiah’s conduct “a serious breach of trust.”
‘The victim was a resident because she was vulnerable and the offender took advantage of that vulnerability to approach her and have sexual relations with her,’ he said.
He said Jeremiah had a good work history and was an active volunteer, but said his good character had “reduced to some extent.”
Jeremiah was sentenced to nine months in jail with a six-month non-parole period.
He will be eligible for parole on December 3.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Salvation Army for comment.