A Sydney teacher facing serious allegations of planning to drug and sexually abuse two children has been denied bail, following a magistrate’s description of the purported messages involved as “revolting” and “graphic.”
Peter James Adam, 63, who was working at the International Grammar School in Sydney’s inner city, was apprehended in Bondi, located in the eastern part of the city, on Wednesday.
The arrest came after police reportedly uncovered incriminating messages exchanged between Adam and another suspect, Todd Anthony Soulas, who is also currently facing legal proceedings.
Authorities allege that from June 2024 to July 2025, Adam conspired with Soulas to execute the sexual assaults, as revealed through their communications.
During Adam’s initial virtual appearance in Bail Court on Thursday, police prosecutors characterized the allegations as “abhorrent and concerning.”
Magistrate Margaret Quinn was informed that the facts of the case suggest the accused took active steps to facilitate the drugging and sexual assault of the children by his co-accused.
Adam watched the hearing by videolink from a cell at Surry Hills police station.
In reading the alleged conversations, Ms Quinn said: ‘(They’re) fairly revolting sort of messages I have to say – graphic’.
Peter James Adam (pictured) allegedly plotted to drug and sexually assault two minors
In reading the alleged conversations, magistrate Quinn said: ‘(They’re) fairly revolting sort of messages I have to say – graphic’
Prosecutors revealed the 63-year-old had talked about ‘pimping’ out the young boy so he could get extra cash and sending the girl’s underwear to Soulas’ place.
Adam took photos of both children in vulnerable positions with his 35-year-old co-accused planning to use artificial intelligence to create child abuse material, police prosecutors said.
The teacher allegedly said the girl was going to be much harder to get involved in the plot.
‘Well, that’s fine, we can drug her,’ Soulas allegedly said.
‘We can record her having sex with a dog and own her anonymously.’
Prosecutors opposed Adam’s release on bail, saying he would pose a danger to the alleged victims and the community and could interfere with witnesses.
Legal Aid solicitor Julian Balloot urged the court to release his client, proposing a suite of bail conditions to mitigate any risk.
This included living at a North Sydney address, reporting to police daily, surrendering his passport and being barred from using encrypted apps or more than one mobile phone.
PAdam (pictured during arrest) previously worked at International Grammar School in Sydney
Ms Quinn did not release the teacher on bail, finding the risk was too great.
She noted the exceedingly strong case against him.
Adam did not speak but bowed his head as the decision was handed down.
His wife Genet Erickson-Adam, a deputy head at prestigious private school Cranbrook, was also listening to the virtual hearing.
Police located the chats after three mobile phones were seized from Soulas’ home before he was arrested in September.
Soon after police publicised that Adam had been charged, International Grammar School edited social media posts from October to remove any reference to the teacher.
Posts on Instagram and Facebook celebrating World Teacher’s Day were scrubbed of the man’s name and photo on Thursday morning.
Adam was arrested on Wednesday morning, charged with two counts of incitement to commit aggravated sex assault in company and using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material.
An International Grammar School spokeswoman said he would be stood down.
‘The school has assured parents and carers that the safety of IGS students remains the school’s highest priority,’ she told AAP.
‘Ongoing support has been offered to members of the IGS community who may experience distress or have concerns in response to the allegations.’
Soulas has been hit with 23 separate charges including the aggravated sexual assault of a child, child prostitution, using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material, and possessing and disseminating child abuse and bestiality material.
He remains on remand and will next appear before Burwood Local Court on February 4.
Adam’s next appearance will be before Waverley Local Court on March 12.
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)
