By Mitchell Clarke

A former Director of Music at Nossal High School has been placed on the sex offender registry after sending sexually inappropriate messages to a 16-year-old student.

26-year-old James Mustafa pleaded guilty to one count of ‘Encourage a child under 16/17 years of age under the care, supervision or authority of a person aged 18 years or above, to engage in sexual activity’ at the Ringwood Magistrates Court on Wednesday 15 May.

The award winning jazz musician sent 150 messages to the music student in the one day on May 30 2018.

Pakenham Gazette contacted Nossal High School for comment but was referred to the Department of Education and Training.

“The Department is aware of the decision of the Magistrates’ Court involving a former education support employee,” a spokesperson said.

“The health and safety of our students is our number one priority.”

The Government has introduced significant reforms as a result of the Betrayal of Trust report including new child safety standards requiring all schools to implement policies and procedures to ensure children are safe at school.

The magistrate recorded a conviction and Mr Mustafa was sentenced to a two year Community Corrections Order and was placed on the sex offender registry.