Mackay grandfather pleads not guilty to rape, indecent treatment of a child

A jury has handed down its verdict after a grandfather denied allegations he sexually molested his young granddaughter.

A Mackay grandfather has been acquitted of charges alleging he forced his young “vulnerable” granddaughter onto his bed and raped her.

Seven women and five men were empanelled as the jury on the historic case being heard in Mackay District Court this week.

It was alleged the offending occurred between October 2013 and December 2014 at South Mackay.

The court heard the older man had been living at the property at the time but not in the same home.

The court heard the girl was aged about eight or nine years, and was described as “a vulnerable person” regarding some medical conditions she had been diagnosed with.

It was alleged the offending occurred when the girl visited her grandfather and involved him exposing her to pornographic movies.

She further alleged he exposed himself to her and made her touch his penis and on one occasion raped her.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, has pleaded not guilty to rape and indecent treatment of a child.

The court heard this matter came to police attention much later.

During the trial, under Judge John Allen continues, the girls evidence was heard in a closed court.

Her mother also gave evidence.

The trial lasted three days with the jury delivering a not-guilty verdict on both charges about 12.30pm Thursday.

The man was discharged.