A former high school swimming coach accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in exchange for a gift card has been released on bail.

Jayden Brian, 31, dropped his head in relief as the decision was handed down in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The former Methodist Ladies' College swimming coach allegedly connected with the 13-year-old girl over social media app Snapchat in September 2025.

He's accused of posing as a 14-year-old boy and sending increasingly explicit messages to the girl, including a video of himself masturbating.

Police allege Brian then organised to meet up with the girl to have sex in exchange for cigarettes and alcohol.

He is accused of kissing and sexually touching the victim in his car on September 25 before giving her a $50 Amazon gift card.

The girl reported the incident to her friends and sister before making a formal complaint to the police two days later.

Brian was later arrested while coaching a student swimming session, when officers allegedly found child abuse material on his devices, including on his MLC-issued iPad.

He was charged with nine offences including intentional sexual touching of a child aged under 16, grooming and possessing child abuse material.

Brian was remanded in custody in October but made a bid for bail in Melbourne Magistrates' Court last week.

In handing down her decision on Friday, magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz accepted the allegations were serious and the prosecution's case was strong.

She noted the alleged victim had made a recorded statement to the police and Brian had admitted it was his email address and Snapchat handle found in the alleged offending.

The 13-year-old girl was clearly a vulnerable young person and her safety needed to considered when assessing Brian's risk, Ms Mykytowycz said.

But the magistrate found a series of very strict bail conditions could reduce that risk to an acceptable level.

They included a 10pm to 6am curfew and a prohibition on using a smart phone or any social media or dating profiles.

He is also banned from stalking the alleged victim, engaging in any predatory behaviour towards her or going near where she lives or attends school.

Brian, who no longer works for MLC, is also prohibited from contacting any current or previous students.

Prior to his arrest, he had worked at the prestigious school at Kew for nine years. His employment has since been terminated. 

The 31-year-old, who was watching the hearing on a video link from prison, only spoke to confirm he understood his bail conditions.

He is due to return to court on February 27.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800