Cairns Court: Petford’s Geoff Guest has ‘memory problems’ in alleged sexual abuse case

Renowned OAM recipient, now accused sex offender Geoffrey John Guest will undertake neurological tests because his lawyer says he is having problems with his memory.

Geoffrey Guest is having neurological tests to check the state of his memory. Picture: Brendan Radke

Renowned OAM recipient, now accused sex offender Geoffrey John Guest will undertake neurological tests because his lawyer says he is having problems with his memory.

Geoffrey John Guest, 97, has been charged with one count of carnal knowledge and three counts of indecent treatment of a child under 17 and his matter was heard in Cairns District Court for a review.

It is alleged the offences occurred between 1975 and 1978 at a remote youth camp he ran in Petford between 1978 and 1999.

The Petford Training Farm operated under government funding from December 1986, and was closed in 1999 following a recommendation by the 1998 Daffen Report that funding for the camp be terminated.

Horse handler and bushman Geoff Guest. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I’m seeking an adjournment at this time to cause some confusion. Mr Guest is over 90 years old and he has struggled with his memory” defence counsel Kelly Goodwin said.

“We have made an application to Legal Aid Queensland for a psychology report” he explained “He’s already been put in with a neurologist for an assessment as well. I would like to get the results of those assessments before proceeding with this matter”.

Mr Guest has not yet formally entered a plea, but has denied the allegations.

When contacted by the Cairns Post previously, Mr Guest said he was “surprised” they had been made against him.

“They are all false allegations,” he said.

“I’m very proud of the work that I have done, I’m not going to plead guilty, this is my life’s work.

“Ninety per cent of kids that have come here have enjoyed their time and I’m still helping people with alcohol and drug problems and trauma.”

The matter will return to the Cairns District Court on February 14, 2025.

A celebrated Far North Queensland youth worker and Order of Australia recipient says he will defend his reputation and his “life’s work” after being committed to stand trial for alleged historical sexual abuse offences.

Originally published as Cairns Court: Petford’s Geoff Guest has ‘memory problems’ in alleged sexual abuse case