Daniel Lindquist found not guilty of sexually touching child

An Australian navy patrol boat captain has been found not guilty of sexually touching a child by a jury.

Daniel Lindquist leaves Queanbeyan Courthouse in 2023.

An Australian navy patrol boat captain has been found not guilty of sexually touching a child by a District Court jury.

Daniel Lindquist, 35, had pleaded not guilty to four counts of intentionally sexually touching a child at Queanbeyan District Court over an alleged incident at Jerrabombera in 2022.

The Crown had alleged Lindquist entered a young girl’s bedroom and touched her chest, genitalia and bottom under her pyjamas.

Lindquist – who gave evidence in the trial – denies the allegations and said he merely adjusted the child’s pyjamas after entering her room because he thought she was in distress.

In closing arguments, Crown prosecutor Talitha Hennessy said a jury of 12 could accept the child complainant’s memories of the alleged incident were “clear”.

“Remember what (she) said … the accused separated her legs, touched her underwear, then put his hand on the outside of her genitalia on her skin,” Ms Hennessy said.

“She said she moved around to stop the accused from touching her – he continued to touch her.”

Daniel Lindquist.

Lindquist’s counsel Adam Faro said the girl’s swift complaint to her mother about the alleged sexual touching did not necessarily prove that was what occurred.

“When she makes the complaint, makes it quickly, goes and gets the dog, you might think it doesn’t prove what she says happened,” Mr Faro told the jury.

“All it proves is that the complainant felt distressed when she woke up and it’s equally consistent with him in her bed, touching her leg, causing her shock.”

Lindquist’s wife and another supporter wiped away tears as the foreperson said Lindquist was not guilty and Judge Peter Whitford said he was free to go.