Four men charged with sex crimes against children heard in Burnett court

Four men had their separate matters heard in court that all included alleged crimes against children including a prominent Burnett businessman.

Murgon Courthouse.

Four men had their matters mentioned in Murgon Magistrates Court on Wednesday with all defendants having charges against them involving children.

All four cases are separate matters and none of the defendants have entered a plea.

Joe Prendergast sexual assault case heard

Joe Prendergast is facing multiple charges including the indecent treatment of a child under 16 and the attempted indecent treatment of a child under 16. Note: He isn’t connected to other matters mentioned in this article.

South Burnett businessman Joe Prendergast had his ongoing case heard again.

The 42-year-old man is facing multiple charges including the indecent treatment of a child under 16 and the attempted indecent treatment of a child under 16.

Mr Prendergast has not entered any pleas and was not in court in person on Wednesday.

His matter was adjourned until March 13, 2024.

‘A number of child victims’

A 69-year-old man was charged with multiple counts of indecent treatment of a child under 12, indecent treatment of a child under 16 and rape.

Police Prosecutor Barry Stevens said a brief of evidence was supplied to the defendant’s lawyer and asked for an adjournment.

The man was not present in the court proceedings.

“There are a number of child victims, all in the same family,” Sergeant Stevens said.

The matter has been adjourned until March 21, 2024.

Townsville man has case moved to Murgon

Murgon Magistrates Courthouse.

A 45-year-old Townsville man is facing multiple charges including the indecent treatment of a child under 16, carnal knowledge with or of a child under 16 and rape.

The court heard his matter had been mentioned multiple times in Townsville before being transferred to Murgon Magistrates Court.

The Townsville man was not present in court and is yet to enter a plea.

His matter was adjourned until March 13, 2024.

19-year-old South Burnett man charged

A 19-year-old man appeared in court charged with one count of the indecent treatment of a child under 16.

The young defendant had multiple appearances without a solicitor present but informed the court on Wednesday he is in the process of obtaining legal aid and is yet to enter a plea.

His matter was adjourned until February 19, 2024.