New details emerge after youth camp founder charged with historic sex offences

New details have emerged after a well-known youth camp founder was charged with historic sexual offences.

Geoffrey Guest has been charged with one count of carnal knowledge and three counts of indecent treatment. Picture: Brendan Radke

New details have emerged after a well-known youth camp founder was charged with historic sexual offences with the matter “likely” to go to trial.

Geoffrey John Guest, 97, has been charged with one count of carnal knowledge and three counts of indecent treatment of a child under 17.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1975 and 1978.

The youth worker ran a remote youth camp 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.

Mr Guest’s matter was heard in Cairns District Court on Monday where defence counsel Kelly Goodwin, under instruction from Northern Plateau legal, advised a brief of evidence had been received and reviewed but he had not been in conversation with their client.

The defence requested an adjournment until August for a review mention to determine how the matter will proceed.

Mr Guest ran a remote youth camp in Petford between 1978 and 1999. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Goodwin told the court the matter would “likely go forward to trial”.

The prosecution confirmed there were no further charges pending and the charges only related to one complainant.

Mr Guest has not yet formally entered a plea and 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 was adjourned till August 14.

Mr Guest remains on bail.

Originally published as New details emerge after youth camp founder charged with historic sex offences