Basketball SA referee Dana Whittaker faces court for indecently assaulting boy, 14

A Basketball SA referee used her position to prey on a 14-year-old boy in the basketball community – as she was confronted by his parents in court.

A Basketball SA referee awaits her fate after she preyed on a 14-year-old boy in the basketball community.

Dana Louise Whittaker, 25, was confronted by the boy’s parents in court who said their son’s schooling and self confidence had been significantly impacted as a result.

A victim impact statement written by the victim’s parents was read to the District Court on Thursday by the prosecutor.

The parents said their son had become withdrawn and depressed since Whittaker’s offending and was no longer his social bubbly self.

Dana Whittaker leaves the District Court after pleading guilty to indecently assaulting a child. Picture: Newswire/Brenton Edwards

They said playing basketball was such a significant part of their son’s sporting and social life but his mental health had worsened as a result of the offending, which required psychological treatment.

“(The victim) became very unsettled in school as a result of Dana’s offending, we noticed that his focus and attention at school deteriorated and his school work and efforts dropped considerably,” they said.

“He received many detentions for these struggles and issues. We noticed this had a significant negative effect on his already struggling self-confidence.”

The parents said they had concerns that Whittaker’s offending would have long-term impacts on how their son sees himself and future relationships.

Whittaker, of Woodcroft, was due to face trial in October, however the matter was resolved after she entered a guilty plea to a charge of aggravated indecent assault.

A charge of aggravated procuring a child for sexual activity was withdrawn as a result.

A charge sheet alleges the offending happened in 2023 in the southern suburbs and the victim was aged 14 at the time of the offending.

Rob Walker, for Whittaker, asked the court for an adjournment as Whittaker had an appointment with a clinical psychologist next week and they were waiting for a report.

Judge Geraldine Davison allowed Whittaker to remain on bail and adjourned her sentencing submissions until January.

Whittaker, who was wearing a black pant suit for her court hearing, left the courthouse wearing a jersey for American basketball team Boston Celtics.

Dana Whittaker leaves the District Court where she is charged with indecently assaulting a child. Picture: Newswire / Brenton Edwards

The Advertiser sent questions to Basketball SA asking whether Whittaker had been stood down as a referee and if parents of players were notified about her offending.

Chief executive officer of Basketball SA Tim Brenton replied: “As this matter is still before the courts, Basketball South Australia has no comment at this time”.