Police granted more time to investigate Jehovah’s Witness sex crime accusations

Defence counsel in the matter of a religious figure facing dozens of serious sex charges including rape and incest, told a Sunshine Coast court his client was ‘suffering the indignation’ of an ankle monitor while the case was being prepared.

A 61-year-old Mooloolaba man is facing more than 50 charges in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

A Maroochydore magistrate has granted police more time to prepare the case against a Jehovah’s Witness figure facing more than 50 sex crime charges.

The 61-year-old Mooloolaba man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, did not appear in person as his matter was mentioned in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday, October 28.

The man faces 55 charges related to five alleged victims, including 21 counts of rape, 14 of procuring sexual acts by false pretences, torture and common assault.

Lawyer Adrian Hawkes told the court he “strenuously” opposed a request by the arresting officer for an adjournment.

“The arresting officer has had ample time to obtain (statements), apparently he wants to obtain more witness statements,” he said.

Mr Hawkes said the matter had “embroiled” the Jehovah’s Witness community since it was first reported in the media in early September, and claimed in the court many of the complaints were vexatious.

Police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris said the arresting officer sought the adjournment because it was a large brief of evidence that included many complainants and historical complaints.

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin noted the matter had been before the court for less than three months.

“The prosecution are asking for another month-and-a-half or something, which is not at all unusual where there are some 50 charges and multiple complainants,” he said.

Mr Hawkes requested the matter come back before the court in three weeks, submitting he did not accept the “basis” of the delay.

“You don’t accept that having 50 charges with multiple complainants and historical sexual offences is a complicated investigation? Seriously, Mr Hawkes?” Mr McLaughlin replied.

Mr Hawkes said his client, who is on bail, was “suffering the indignation” of wearing an ankle bracelet that meant he was unable to go out in public.

The man also faces one charge of incest and 17 sexual assault allegations.

The matter was adjourned until December 2.