Joe Prendergast to appear in court for possible committal hearing

The next steps in a a prominent South Burnett businessman’s rape case have been revealed as he is ordered to appear in person for a forthcoming hearing.

Joe Prendergast is facing multiple sexual assault charges.

A prominent South Burnett businessman has been ordered to appear in person for the next hearing of his rape and sexual assault case, a court heard on Wednesday.

Joe Prendergast is the managing director of a boutique accommodation and winery at Moffatdale called the Dusty Hill Vineyard.

His company, Dusty Joe’s Pty Ltd, also operates a hotel and bakery in Goomeri.

On Wednesday at the Murgon Magistrates Court the parties discussed the timetable of proceedings with the next date being a possible committal hearing.

Solicitor Sonja Stevens who appeared on behalf of Mr Prendergast’s lawyers said September 10 would be the next significant date in the proceedings.

“The matter listed on that date is a committal hearing with cross examination of witnesses or an application for a witness to attend court for a committal proceeding,” Ms Stevens said.

Joe Prendergast is facing multiple counts of sexual assault and rape.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair enlarged Mr Prendergast’s bail and said he was “required to attend in person” for the September 10 hearing.

Police prosecutor Barry Stevens also said they had submitted an application to have Mr Prendergast’s bail varied.

In June 2023, following an investigation by the 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.