'Mother Goose' Robert William Symonds found not guilty of child sex allegations

A PROMINENT member of Adelaide's 1980s gay scene has been acquitted of child sex allegations by the District Court.

A PROMINENT member of Adelaide's 1980s gay scene has been acquitted of child sex allegations by the District Court.

Judge Peter Brebner today found Robert William Symonds, 59, of Vale Park, not guilty of offences including persistent sexual exploitation, gross indecency and unlawful sexual intercourse.

"Although I am highly suspicious that some sexual interaction did take place between the accused and the complainants, certain aspects of the evidence of the complainants precludes satisfaction beyond reasonable doubt," he said.

Prosecutors had alleged Symonds offended against wards of the state in the 1980s and 1990s.

They said the victims were, at that time, "prostituting themselves".

Prosecutors said Symonds had, "by his own admission", been part of Adelaide's gay scene for many years.

His nickname, they said, was "Mother Goose" due to his distinctive walk.

Defence counsel said the allegations had been invented by a key suspect in the notorious Family murders.

His motive, they said, was revenge because Symonds supplied information to police about the murders.