Sunshine Coast Jehovah’s Witness in court for 55 charges

A Sunshine Coast court has been told the brief of evidence against a religious member charged with horrific sexual offences is complete as video footage claims emerge.

The brief of evidence against a Sunshine Coast religious member, accused of dozens of horrific sex crimes, is complete with the addition of a final witness statement, a court has been told.

The brief of evidence against a Sunshine Coast religious member, accused of dozens of horrific sex crimes, is complete with the addition of a final witness statement, a court has been told.

The 61-year-old Mooloolaba Jehovah’s Witness – who cannot be named for legal reasons – did not appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court when his matter was heard on February 17.

He 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.

Police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris said on Friday the brief of evidence was complete after obtaining one final witness statement on February 16.

The court was told police had also received video footage, allegedly taken by the Mooloolaba man and allegedly depicting the sex crimes he was charged over.

Sergeant Grigoris said the man’s defence team, represented on Friday by lawyer Adrian Hawkes, was invited to view it.

Mr Hawkes said the videos had not been taken by his client, and asked the matter be adjourned for a directions hearing.

The Mooloolaba man will return to the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on April 21.