Alleged victim breaks down in tears during carer’s trial over historic sex abuse committed when she was just 10

There were plenty of intensity in the courtroom as the Tweed Heads man’s solicitor suggested the alleged victim had falsified allegations because she was “jealous” of the man’s relationship with her father.

The woman alleges the abuse started when she was just 10-years-old.

Emotions erupted during the second day of trial for a Tweed Heads man accused of a historic six-year sexual relationship with a 10-year-old.

The man was charged with engaging in persistent sexual abuse of a child, from the age of 10 to 15, with another seven further charges of a specific nature relating to the abuse.

It was alleged the abuse took place over the years 1994-2000.

The court heard the man first met the child when her father, who was handicapped, hired him to be his carer.

The man, 55, pleaded not guilty to all eight charges in the Lismore District Court.

During Wednesday’s trial hearing, the man’s solicitor Simon Apps cross-examined the alleged victim, who had given evidence on Tuesday, including the allegation she lived in fear the man would “make (her) life hell” if she didn’t perform the sexual acts.

Mr Apps’ interrogation mainly focused around an alleged occasion in February 1998 where he claimed the girl told police officers the sexual relationship allegations were false.

He said the officers had attended the house due to a domestic disturbance incident where she allegedly struck and bit her father.

“Did you then tell them it was a false allegation and you had made it up because you were jealous of their relationship (the accused and the alleged victim’s father)?” Mr Apps said.

The alleged victim insisted she couldn’t recall the specific date or telling police.

Mr Apps continued to suggest to the woman she had told police the statement because she was resentful her father was giving “all his attention to the carer”.

When provided the police facts in relation to the 1998 event, the woman appeared to grow agitated at Mr Apps’ questioning.

She took particular grievance to his insistence she had been given “every chance to disclose” the allegations including offers to talk to a female officer.

“Just because you produce this report doesn’t mean I remember,” she said agitated.

“I was still at (the accused’s), in the residence at the time, being provided for by him. My father was still unable to care for me.

“They didn’t give me every chance because I was still in the care of the accused.”

However, she did consent that on occasion she had punched holes in the house or “physically assaulted” her father as Mr Apps suggested in reference to Department of Community Services records.

“I agree with the behaviour. I was a young woman having an older man do horrible things I didn’t understand,” she said, breaking down in tears.

“I was probably reaching out for help.”

Magistrate Jeffrey McLennan adjourned the trial early.

The trial was expected to continue Thursday morning.