A prominent Melbourne educational institution faces disturbing allegations as former Methodist Ladies’ College swim coach Jayden Brian, 32, stands accused of multiple child sexual offenses involving a 13-year-old girl he allegedly contacted through social media platforms. The case, currently unfolding in Melbourne Magistrates Court, reveals a pattern of predatory behavior that ultimately led to Brian’s dramatic arrest while coaching students in the school’s pool last October.
Court documents indicate Brian initially connected with the minor through a social media application that displayed her age before transitioning their communication to Snapchat in September. Prosecutors allege Brian rapidly sexualized the conversations, repeatedly soliciting and receiving intimate images from the child. The interactions culminated in arrangements for an in-person meeting where Brian allegedly agreed to provide alcohol and cigarettes in exchange for sexual contact.
According to police evidence, the encounter occurred earlier than planned on September 25 when Brian arrived in his partner’s vehicle. Investigators claim he engaged in inappropriate physical contact with the child before departing and subsequently sent her a $50 digital gift card. The victim reported the incident to authorities two days later, triggering an investigation that included undercover operations.
Police deployed a covert operative posing as a 15-year-old, with Brian allegedly responding with sexually explicit messages and requests to meet. His arrest occurred on October 3 after he sent a photograph of himself wearing Methodist Ladies’ College apparel to the undercover officer. Senior Constable Matt Henning testified that forensic examination of Brian’s devices revealed extensive evidence, including approximately 50 child abuse material files and hundreds of potentially inappropriate images of schoolgirls.
Additional concerning details emerged during bail proceedings, with police alleging evidence of Brian communicating with young girls dating back to 2018. Authorities have identified a second complainant, now an adult, who claims Brian paid her for explicit images while she was seventeen years old. The prosecution strongly opposes bail, citing Brian’s demonstrated propensity for targeting vulnerable minors through social media and the substantial risk he poses to the community.
Despite defense arguments emphasizing Brian’s family support and caregiving responsibilities for his fiancée, the court has adjourned the bail decision until next Friday. Methodist Ladies’ College has confirmed Brian’s termination and maintains there have been no complaints regarding his conduct with students during his nine-year employment. The case continues to develop as investigators examine the full scope of allegations against the former coach.