The accused was tried on historical sexual offence allegations arising from conduct at a group home in 1984 involving three former child residents.
Applying the W.(D.) framework, the court rejected the accused's denials, accepted the complainants' evidence as credible and reliable, and found that delayed disclosure, criminal antecedents, and alleged collusion did not undermine proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court also admitted count-to-count similar act evidence under the Handy framework, finding strong similarities in the bedtime assaults, significant probative value, and minimal prejudice in a judge-alone trial.
The accused was convicted on three counts of gross indecency and three counts of sexual assault, with the gross indecency convictions conditionally stayed under Kineapple.
