The case against Blue Mountains circus accused is ‘weak’: lawyer claims
The lawyer of an alleged child-sex ring operating out of the Blue Mountains has claimed new police interviews of witnesses have “weakened” the case.
The lawyer of an alleged child-sex ring operating out of the Blue Mountains has claimed new police interviews have “weakened” the case.
Alleged ringleader Therese Cook, who ran a circus school in Katoomba, is among the group-of-seven facing horrific allegations that includes kidnapping, assaulting and filming the sadistic rape of three innocent boys between 2014 and 2016 — including one victim who was just three years old.
She fronted Penrith Local Court today wearing a tan-coloured suit alongside her brother Paul Cook, 53, her 30-year-old daughter Yyani Cook-Williams, who wore navy blue, and her daughter Clarissa Meredith, 24.
It is only the second time all four have fronted court since they were granted bail in August last year.
During the brief mention the court heard that the prosecution had re-interviewed several people in their case.
Lawyer Bryan Wrench said the new interviews had “weakened” the case and requested an adjournment.
Blood rituals, sticking a needle in an eye and tongue biting are among the shocking allegations against the group of seven - including three juveniles - who are facing a shocking 120-odd charges.
When the matter was last heard in court Mr Wrench said that one of the alleged victims had written a note which said: “Mum I’m really sorry I’ve been lying about the whole thing. Nobody hurt me, I’ve been lying to you.”
“That was a note concealed by the mother in this investigation. Which might change the turn of events in this matter,” Mr Wrench said.
Therese Cook, who is facing 43 charges of child rape and kidnapping, started her circus school in 2009 where photos posted online show the grandmother teaching children tricks and performing as a clown during street parades.
It has been alleged she was the ringleader and incited her daughters Cook-Williams, a part-time burlesque performer, and Meredith to have sex with the youngsters while her younger brother Paul Cook filmed it.
The alleged abuse is believed to have taken place at several locations in Parramatta, Leura, Lawson, Mount Victoria and Katoomba, where the circus school was based and where Therese Cook, Paul Cook and Meredith lived. The boys were not students at the school.
The matter will next return to court on July 12.
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