Volleyball coach charged with grooming and assaulting 15-year-old girl
Volleyball coach Ezekiel Jeth Cureg, 26, faces 14 charges including grooming and sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl.
Ezekiel Jeth Cureg, 26, has been charged with grooming a child, nine counts of indecency against a child, and four counts of sexual intercourse with a child. Police say he first met the girl in early 2026 through sport and sexually assaulted her across September and October.
The girl reported the assaults to police on Monday; officers arrested him that night. Cureg worked as a PE teacher's aide at Brindabella Christian College and as a coach with Volleyball ACT.
A prosecutor told court he held a significant level of control over the teenager. He tried to contact her 15 times over three days after she reported him.
He pleaded not guilty. A magistrate granted bail with strict conditions.
He must live at his Casey home and cannot leave without his parents. He cannot use mobile phones or social media.
He cannot be alone with anyone under 18 except his siblings.
Why it mattersThe case shows how a position of trust and control in youth sports can enable abuse. It reveals the risks young athletes face.
AustraliaCanberra case raises awareness of grooming risks in community sports; signals courts' approach to bail for child abuse allegations.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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