Northern NSW Pedophile backflips to plead guilty to historic child sex offences
A northern NSW father who planned to fight historic child sex abuse allegations has backflipped and pleaded guilty to all charges brought against him. Here’s what happened in court.
Lismore
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lismore. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A northern NSW father who planned to fight historic child sex abuse allegations has backflipped and pleaded guilty to all charges brought against him.
The man who legally cannot be named is in custody before the courts facing four historic sex abuse charges.
During a hearing in Lismore District Court on August 1, Judge John Pickering took into account the man had pleaded not guilty to two of the four allegations and intended to fight two more.
Counsel argued for a Judge-alone trial saying a jury’s emotional investment in the nature and seriousness of his offending would be “impossible” for them to see the matter impartially.
Yet in a twist on Monday, during his appearance before Judge Jonathan Priestley in Lismore District Court, the man formally entered pleas of guilty to charges he previously intended to fight.
The man sat in the dock in prison greens speaking quietly where he formally entered guilty pleas to indecent assault where the victim was under the age of 10 years old and sexual intercourse with person under the age of 10 years.
The court heard the man committed an act of indecency on a child under the age of 10 years between February 2002 and December 2023.
He also had sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 years during the same period.
Defence solicitor, Simon Apps told the court a psychological report would be prepared and ready prior to his sentencing hearing later in the year.
Judge Priestley ordered submissions from Mr Apps to be filed for November 6, prosecution submissions for November 15.
The man was refused bail and remanded in custody.
He is due to reappear in Lismore District Court for his sentencing hearing on November 20.
Got a news tip? email catherine.piltz@news.com.au
Bradman Cup: Team previews and players to watch
Country NSW has produced some of the best cricketers to play the game. Ahead of this year’s Bradman Cup, we’re putting the spotlight on the best young talent from the bush.
Foundation serves up ‘little bit of hope’ in cost of living crisis
The founder of an Indigenous food program dishing out meals across the Northern Rivers says he’s keeping a promise to his grandfather to keep “feeding our people - not just with food, but with hope”.