Joe Prendergast rape, sexual assault case mentioned in Murgon court

The next steps in the rape case involving prominent South Burnett businessman Joe Prendergast, who is facing more than a dozen charges, have been revealed in court.

Businessman Joe Prendergast is facing multiple sexual assault charges.

Witness statements are being collected for the ongoing court proceedings involving a South Burnett businessman accused of rape and other sexual assault offences.

Joe Prendergast had his matter adjourned at Murgon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 28.

Mr Prendergast, who didn’t appear at court for the mention, is charged with 11 counts of rape and other sexual assault charges, which police allege happened over a six-year period against a woman and an underage girl.

The court was told Mr Prendergast and his legal council were waiting on witness statements and needed more time to analyse electronic material.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair agreed and adjourned the matter to January 24, 2024.

South Burnett businessman Joe Prendergast is facing multiple rape charges.

Mr Prendergast is yet to enter any pleas.

He is the managing director of Dusty Joe’s Pty Ltd which operates the Dusty Hill Vineyard in Moffatdale, Joe’s Grand Hotel in Goomeri and The Goomeri Bakery.

In June, 2023, following investigations by Murgon Police, Mr Prendergast was charged with 11 counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and one attempted indecent assault of a child under 16.

The first complainant, a woman in her 30s, was allegedly sexually assaulted by Mr Prendergast between September 2017 and January 2020.

The second complainant was allegedly sexually assaulted and inappropriately touched between December 25, 2022, and February 26, 2023 while she was under 16.