Dalby District Court: Verdict handed down to babysitter on sex abuse charges

A man who was once described by unsuspecting parents as a “saviour” over his offers to care for their children has been found guilty of a raft of child sex offences, including rape and indecent treatment. *Warning distressing content*

A Western Downs man has been found guilty of sexually abusing three young boys who were entrusted into his care, with a jury convicting him of rape and nine counts of indecent treatment of a child under 12.

The man initially pleaded not guilty in the Dalby District Court to offending against the boys, who were as young as five when he carried out the horrific abuse over a five-year period where he acted as a babysitter for families.

The man was cleared of seven counts of performing sex acts in front of the children.

Crown prosecutor Amanda Robinson said unsuspecting parents considered the man, who cannot be named to protect the victims, to be a “saviour” due to his offers to help care for the children.

“Most of the boys had a great time with him and hanging out with the other children at his house, but you will hear from three young boys,” she said.

“Their time wasn’t so great.”

The court heard the man, now aged in his 50s, digitally raped a boy as young as five and touched two other boys inappropriately.

The jury heard recorded evidence from other children who were in the care of the Western Downs man, as well as family members of the victims.

The man’s sentence was adjourned to August 18 to allow further materials to be gathered and he was remanded in custody.