Shocking footage has emerged of a Sydney high school teacher allegedly smoking an unknown substance from a makeshift Gatorade bong while surrounded by students in their uniforms.
Lauren Russell, 42, was arrested last Friday following an investigation into the alleged supply of cannabis to students by Sutherland Shire Police Area Command.
Police allege the science teacher sold cannabis to her own students at Lucas Heights Community School in Sydney’s south.
Since her arrest, a video obtained by the , has been circulated around the school community allegedly showing Ms Russell inhaling from the homemade bong.
In the footage, the mother of three is sitting on a milk crate and looking behind her before a student leans in to light the bong.
She was arrested at her Beverly Hills home on February 4 and charged with supplying a prohibited drug.
Police allege Ms Russell contacted students out of school hours and supplied them with the drugs after school between 3pm and 6pm on December 15.
Ms Russell did not appear in Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday and her matter was adjourned for a month.
Ms Russell’s LinkedIn profile lists her as a high-school science teacher. According to the Lucas Heights school’s website, Ms Russell is the year 11 student welfare adviser.
Neighbours were shocked when they heard the news of the teacher’s charges.
“This is horrible. She’s a fantastic neighbour and a lovely person. I would never have imagined this happening to her,” one neighbour said.
“She’s been living in her house for 17 years and there have never been any dramas. She is just a kind person who loves her husband and kids. You’ll see her out on the street playing with the kids on the scooter, it’s beautiful.”
A NSW Education spokeswoman confirmed Ms Russell had been barred from working at the school or contacting any students after police laid charges.
“We are deeply concerned by the allegations,” she said.
“We have high expectations of our employees. As this matter is before the courts, we are unable to provide further comment.
“Our main priority is the safety and wellbeing of students. As soon as the department was made aware of the allegations, the teacher was removed from the school.
“They will not be allowed on school grounds and have been instructed not to contact students.”
Ms Russell will reappear in Sutherland Local Court on March 9.
