Clarence Valley man on trial over historic sexual assault allegations involving three daughters, friend in northern NSW

A man in his 80s has faced a North Coast court accused of sexually abusing his daughters and their friend. One child was allegedly warned she would be “kicked out” if she spoke up. Warning: Graphic

The accused sex offender is on trial at Grafton District Court. Picture: Adam Hourigan.

An ex-school bus driver accused of sexually abusing his three daughters and their friend allegedly told his eldest she would be “kicked out of the house” if she spoke out, a North Coast court has heard.

The Clarence Valley man, whose identity is concealed by court order, is on trial at Grafton District Court over historic sexual assault allegations.

The man now in his 80s, has pleaded not guilty to the historic offence of carnal knowledge as a father, which in modern legislation would be having sexual intercourse with his daughter.

The man has pleaded not guilty to the alleged historic sexual assaults of his daughters and their friend.

He has also pleaded not guilty to one count each of attempted carnal knowledge as a father, assaulting a minor and committing an indecent act, sexual assault and maintaining an unlawful relationship with a child.

It’s alleged offending occurred across the Mid-North and North Coast in the 1970s and ‘80s, the jury heard.

In his opening address on Monday, Crown prosecutor Giles Tabateau alleged the defendant started to sexually assault his eldest child when she was a primary school student.

He allegedly penetrated her twice a week over about five years, while their mum was out of town for work.

The prosecution alleges the accused man warned his eldest to not “go telling anyone”.

“You’ll be kicked out of the house and have nowhere to go,” he allegedly said.

The man allegedly told his daughter she would be kicked out of home is she spoke out.

The jury heard the man is accused of digitally penetrating his middle daughter when the mother was in hospital.

It’s alleged he attempted to forcibly penetrate his youngest daughter when they were alone in an unused farm building.

Mr Tabateau said the defendant was further accused of feeling the breasts of one his daughters’ childhood friends.

On these occasions, the girl allegedly noticed the man “creep along the floor” and reach under her top while she was sleeping over.

On another occasion he allegedly rubbed his genitalia against the friend while his daughter was sleeping next to her.

Mr Tabateau told the jury the girls’ mother and the man’s second wife both confronted him about allegations.

The man allegedly confessed to his second wife he had abused his daughters and said words to the effect of “there’s no point lying about it” when he was arrested.

Defence barrister John Carty told the jury some allegations were said to have occurred more than 50 years ago, so there would be matters in dispute.

The accused has no prior criminal convictions, the court was told.

The trial before Michael McHugh SC in Grafton District Court continues.