Teacher accused of grooming, sexually assaulting girl

A teacher is behind bars after being arrested at an airport over the alleged grooming and sexual assault of a teenager.

Patrick Jan Starkey, 42, did not apply for bail when he faced court on Monday over the allegations.

Detectives arrested him at Sydney Airport about 6.30pm on Sunday as he was preparing to board a flight to South Africa via Perth.

It came shortly after a raid on a Kincumber unit on the NSW Central Coast, where investigators seized laptops and a car for forensic examination.

Police allege the school teacher sexually assaulted a teenage girl on multiple occasions in August and September.

Starkey has been charged with seven counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child between 14 and 16 years, three counts of intentionally sexually touching a child between 10 and 16 years and grooming a child for unlawful sexual activity.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to face court again at Gosford Local Court on November 14.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)