Robert Beavis: Ex surf lifesaver pleads not guilty to child sex offences
A former Hunter surf life saving member has told a court “It’s killing me and my family” as he awaits trial over charges relating to the alleged sexual and indecent assault of two girls at Belmont.
Newcastle
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A former Hunter life saving member pleaded not guilty in Newcastle District Court on Thursday to 10 historical child sex offences.
Robert John Beavis — who the court heard is in jail for another matter — is accused of sexually and indecently assaulting two girls, aged nine, at Belmont between 2003 and 2006.
Lake Macquarie detectives from Strike Force Luongo were tasked to investigate allegations against Beavis after they received information in 2018.
He was then charged with five counts of aggravated sexual assault and five counts of aggravated indecent assault.
As Judge Roy Ellis read out each charge, Beavis — who appeared via video link — replied with a “definitely not guilty” to each one.
A jury trial date was set for the 26th April next year, but a prerecord for evidence was set for December which Beavis will have to be present.
Beavis then addressed Judge Ellis asking if that date could happen any earlier.
“It’s killing me and my family,” he told the court
“I’m struggling with all this and if I have to go into quarantine over Christmas, it would kill me.”
But Judge Ellis said due to COVID-19, a lot of trials have not proceeded and have had to be pushed back.
“You’re lucky to get that trial date,” he said.