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James Stuart Castle found not guilty of sexual abuse of a five-year-old girl in Port Stephens

A Central Coast man charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touching a child under 10 years, has been found not guilty in a Newcastle District Court trial.

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A Central Coast man accused of sexually touching a five-year-old girl at Port Stephens last year has been acquitted of all charges.

James Stuart Castle, 45, was arrested by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad at his Narara home in July last year.

James Castle outside Newcastle Court. He pleaded not guilty to sexually touching a five-year-old girl and was found not guilty by trial. Picture Amy Ziniak
James Castle outside Newcastle Court. He pleaded not guilty to sexually touching a five-year-old girl and was found not guilty by trial. Picture Amy Ziniak

He was charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touching a child under 10 years, following the commencement of an investigation in June.

Police had alleged he sexually touched a five-year-old girl while staying with her family in Nelson Bay in April.

He agreed to an apprehended violence order (AVO) against the alleged victim, without making any admissions.

A trial hearing was recently held in Newcastle District Court, in a closed court room, after Castle pleaded not guilty to both charges.

After just a day of deliberations, the jury found Castle not guilty on both counts.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-newcastle-news/james-stuart-castle-found-not-guilty-of-sexual-abuse-of-a-fiveyearold-girl-in-port-stephens/news-story/615858c8486b68ba2ddba579362fd205