“Ur parents will be summon too.
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“I will be with my sister in the [court] to support her and watched you … who scared to death for being lies.
“But my sister said if you are faithful, keep your promise to tell [t]he truth on the video conference link at the court, you will be forgiven and other girls would not be called.”
The Commissioner determined the teacher had interfered with justice by texting the applicant, and threw out her unfair dismissal application.
However, the teacher then appealed the commissioner’s decision, and the matter was sent to the WA Industrial Appeal Court for consideration.
That court handed down its decision on Monday.
“It is unquestionable in our minds, having regard to the content of the text message exchanges on their face, that the appellant was attempting to influence [the student],” remarks from the Full Bench said.
“The threats and intimidation were for the purpose of persuading [the] student to ‘tell the truth’, by not maintaining a version of the events inconsistent with that advanced by the appellant.
“In this context, the communications between the appellant and [the] student on 15 and 16 September 2023, plainly had the capacity or tendency to interfere with the administration of justice.
“Indeed, it is difficult to come to any other view based upon the evidence before the commission.”
The appeal was dismissed.
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