A prominent Melbourne swim coach has been arrested and charged with a series of child sex offences, following allegations he groomed a 13-year-old girl he met on social media.
Poolside Arrest at Prestigious Girls' School
Jayden Brian, 32, was taken into custody while coaching at the pool of Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) in Kew, where he had worked for nine years. The arrest occurred on October 3, 2025, after a police investigation was triggered by a report from the alleged victim.
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard on Friday that detectives approached Brian at the school's pool. As he was led away, body-worn camera footage allegedly captured his reaction upon hearing the complainant's name. A prosecutor stated the accused responded, "s--t" in a drawn-out tone, followed by repeated utterances of "oh f--k".
Allegations of Grooming and Explicit Material
Police allege the offences began in September 2025 when Brian connected with the child on a social media app that listed her age. The conversations allegedly moved to Snapchat, where he quickly steered discussions to sexual topics. He is accused of repeatedly requesting and receiving intimate images from the girl.
The court was told Brian and the child arranged to meet for sex on September 30, with him offering to buy alcohol and cigarettes. However, they allegedly met earlier, on September 25, when Brian arrived in his partner's Mazda 3. Police claim he kissed and touched the child in the car before later sending her a $50 Amazon gift card.
After the child reported the incident to police on September 27, an undercover operative began communicating with Brian, posing as a 15-year-old. During these exchanges, Brian was allegedly flirtatious, sexually explicit, and requested a meeting.
Charges and Bail Opposition
Jayden Brian faces nine charges, including sexually touching a child under 16, grooming a child for sexual conduct, and possessing child abuse material. He is no longer employed by MLC.
Senior Constable Matt Henning told the court that a forensic examination of Brian's devices, including a school-issued iPad, allegedly uncovered more than 50 images and videos categorised as child abuse material. He also stated there were "hundreds or thousands" of photos of schoolgirls, some deemed inappropriate.
While there is no allegation he offended against MLC students, police allege evidence shows Brian communicating with young girls on social media dating back to 2018. Investigators have contacted a second complainant, a woman who was 17 in March 2021, who alleges Brian paid her for explicit images while knowing her age.
Police are strongly opposing bail, arguing Brian is an unacceptable risk to the community with a propensity to target vulnerable underage girls online. The family of the 13-year-old complainant is also "extremely against" bail due to her vulnerability.
Brian's defence barrister, James McQuillan, applied for bail, stating his client could live with his parents and fiancée in Altona North and had work offered with a family construction business. He suggested strict conditions, including bans on internet access and smartphones. Brian's father offered equity in the family home as a surety.
The bail hearing before Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz was adjourned part-heard and will resume next Friday.
