Christopher Martin Bulbrook, East Brisbane man, charged with 105 child sex offences over 30 years

The 11 alleged child victims of a Brisbane man accused of sexually abusing them while in a position of trust are “extremely fearful” of him, a court has heard.

The 11 alleged victims of a Brisbane man accused of sexually abusing them as children when he was in a “position of trust and authority” are “extremely fearful” of him, with one witness already recanting her evidence, a court has heard.

Christopher Martin Bulbrook, from East Brisbane, appeared in the Brisbane Arrest Court on Friday, hours after he was charged with 105 historic child sex offences, alleged to have been committed between 1983 and 2021.

Commonwealth prosecutor Lauren Archer told the court that the number of charges could grow because there are further alleged victims who are yet to formally speak to police because they are hesitating out of reprisal fears.

Chris Bulbrook, 63, has been charged with 105 child sex offences. Picture: David Clark

Ms Archer submitted that if the 63-year-old was charged under current legislation some of his crimes would be classified as rape.

“The victims were extremely fearful of the defendant, some considered moving interstate due to their fears,” Ms Archer told the court.

“There is already evidence that the defendant has possibly interfered with a police witness, who had provided assistance to police and has since recanted her assistance in respect of one of the charges before the court,” Ms Archer stated.

“There are further fears that the defendant will interfere with other witnesses. Victims, some of whom are extremely young, have had traumatic experiences,” she said.

“There are further victims – which the defendant could face possible further charges – that are hesitant about coming forward as they are fearful of reprisal from the defendant,” she said.

“He was in a position of trust and authority at the time he committed these offences,” she said.

The man was arrested in East Brisbane. Picture: Qld Police

She submitted that the prosecution case was “extremely strong” as alleged victims had given statements and some alleged victims had allegedly witnessed crimes against other alleged victims.

Legal Aid lawyer Caroline Hunter submitted that Bulbrook had previously complied with bail conditions and had surrendered his passport.

“The fact that there are victims out there that may or may not make complaints is not relevant to your honour’s consideration today,” Ms Hunter told the court.

Bulbrook was granted bail on strict conditions including that he not contact his 11 alleged female victims, and also not contact “any child” except if a child is accompanied by parent or guardian.

He is charged with 96 counts of indecent treatment of girls under 16, eight counts of indecent assault on females, and one count of indecent assault.

Bulbrook is due to appear in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on March 6, where these charges will be joined with others already before the Rockhampton Magistrates Court, the court heard.

He must report to Fortitude Valley police station each Tuesday and Thursday starting from next Tuesday.