A former deputy principal’s claims that his online advertisement for “sexy play” with teenagers was posted to stoke his ex-partner’s jealously were dismissed by a judge.
Damian Scott Wanstall, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of using a carriage service to obtain a minor under 16 for sexual activity. He is now attempting to escape a full-time prison sentence.
On December 7, 2020, undercover cops caught him after he posted an internet classified item with the subject line “Any legal Indian or Filo teens want fun.”
“40yo Aussie Daddy seeking sexy play this weekend,” the advertisement read. be rewarded. able to discreetly host Rouse Hill.
Defence attorney Nicholas Baltinos claimed during a Tuesday sentence hearing that Wanstall placed the ad in a “irrational” effort to get his ex-girlfriend back.
“We have witnessed it in these courts. He testified before the Parramatta District Court that “very smart people, highly intelligent people with high IQs, pillars of society, do ridiculous things.”
Wanstall’s answer was deemed “preposterous” by Judge Andrew Colefax, who expressed regret that in his 14 years of experience, people accused of child sex offences rarely acknowledged they were drawn to youngsters. Judge Colefax was not persuaded by Wanstall’s explanation.
A constant element, according to him, is that these men are unwilling to confront the reality because they frequently invent absurd justifications for their actions.
The court emphasised that Wanstall did more than just post the ad, noting that he also had extremely sexualized talks with a person he believed to be 14 years old, set up the meet-up, and then drove there with $200 in his pocket.
How does any of it go with his justification that he put the post up to pique the ex-partner’s jealousy? he questioned.
In accordance with verified information obtained by AAP, Wanstall talked to the “teen” about sex, inquired about her bra and breast sizes, and made an offer of $300 for “a few hours of fun.”
It will be alright. Better to explore with a guy who has experience,” he wrote.
The former Kellyville High School deputy principal introduced himself as “Mick” and suggested they meet in a quiet street in his 4WD with tinted windows. He described himself as Richard Gere and Mark Harmon with a “dad bod” and went on to say that he was also a former student of Kellyville High School.
Additionally, he talked about Disney Princesses and requested images of the supposed teen’s “raunchy” restroom behaviour.
He wrote, “Think you should be in clothing, not (school) uniform.
Thus, it appears less suss. Perhaps a spare pair of pants as well.
Wanstall contends that considerable media coverage of the case helped to humiliate him and deprived him of the presumption of innocence, hence he is seeking a reduced term served outside of prison.
Baltinos also cited his client’s age, spotless record, and work ethic in support of his claim that the conversations were simply an odd “one off” carried out when the 49-year-old was binge drinking.
On the ex-teacher’s computer or phone, police had not discovered any images or films of child abuse, and there was no proof that he was connected to any gangs that disseminated this kind of content.
Baltinos informed the court that Wanstall’s mother, who was present during the hearing, would endure difficulties if her son was imprisoned.
