New update in Jehovah’s Witness 55 sexual assault, torture charges

A dispute over 10 hours’ worth of alleged video evidence has delayed criminal proceedings against a Sunshine Coast religious member facing more than 50 sex charges.

Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Video footage of alleged heinous sex acts was the source of debate as an ongoing criminal case involving a Sunshine Coast Jehovah’s Witness member is further delayed.

The 62-year-old Mooloolaba man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, faces 55 charges including 21 counts of rape, 14 of procuring sexual acts by false pretences, torture and common assault.

He has not entered a plea.

His matter was listed for a directions hearing in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, August 14, but he did not appear in person.

Three people, including the man’s former lawyer Adrian Hawkes, sat in the public gallery while it was announced lawyer Andrew Hoare had taken over the case.

Mr Hoare told the court he had asked for a USB, containing 10 hours’ worth of footage allegedly showing the sexual assaults, from police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris.

His intention was to watch the footage and then cross examine the five alleged victims.

Mr Hoare said the USB could be sent to the office of the Brisbane Director of Public Prosecutions where he could watch the footage, or it could be disclosed to the defence.

However Sergeant Grigoris objected to both requests. The request to disclose the USB was rejected by Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist.

Sergeant Grigoris said the defence had ample time to watch the footage already and Mr Hawkes had previously wasted an entire day only watching one hours’ worth.

Mr Stjernqvist adjourned the matter until September 29 and said it must proceed as a committal hand up on the next date, unless Mr Hoare applied to cross examine more than one witness.