Brisbane basketball coach accused of abusing three more children

A 67-year-old former basketball coach from Mango Hill has been hit with additional child sexual assault charges after more alleged victims came forward.

Former Northside Wizards coach Donald Robert McCarron was arrested on January 19 after police received information that he had used his coaching position to groom and abuse a child between 2013 and 2017.

He was charged with seven counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and grooming a child under 16.

Former Northside Wizards coach Donald Robert McCarron has been charged with additional child sex offences after three more victims came forward. Credit: Queensland Police

McCarron appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 31 and was granted bail, subject to an evening curfew, reporting arrangements and a ban on international travel.

At the time of his arrest, investigators from the “Operation Xray Modern” taskforce urged anyone else who might be a victim of the alleged offender to contact them.

On Saturday, police confirmed another three young people, aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the alleged offences, had come forward.

McCarron is now accused of having committed a further five offences – in 2006, 2023 and 2024 – while a basketball coach.

Detectives from the Gateway Child Protection and Investigation Unit attended a Mango Hill address on Friday and charged him with four counts of indecent treatment of a child, and one count of entering a dwelling with intent.

He was refused bail and was due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Gateway CPIU head Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Lunney commended the alleged victims for their courage in contacting police.

“I acknowledge the bravery of every person who has come forward as part of this investigation,” he said.

“Their bravery helps police hold the alleged offenders to account and gives others the courage to come forward.

“We encourage anyone else who has any knowledge of this type of offending, is themselves a victim-survivor of sexual violence, or has information to provide in relation to this investigation to come forward.

“I want to reassure you that what has happened to you is not your fault and you are not alone, and that there are support services available to you.”

McCarron was employed by Northside Wizards from 2013 to 2024. He resigned in August 2024.

Following his arrest in January, the club established a phone counselling service – available to both past and present members – on 1300 407 340.

Northside Basketball chief executive Mark Wrobel said the club would continue to operate the support line and co-operate with investigators.

“We continue to keep that number active for those who have been affected or feel affected in some way [by the situation],” Wrobel said.

“We’re still prioritising the welfare of our members and encourage people to reach out to that phone number if they feel like they need support or someone to talk to.”

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