Dalmeny army veteran Christopher Roberts charged with child sexual assault

A socially-isolated army veteran who suffers ongoing pain from two injuries has been charged with sexually assaulting a child in 2014 after allegations came to light in 2021.

An army veteran who suffers ongoing pain from military and workplace injuries allegedly sexually assaulted a child, a court has heard.

Christopher Roberts, 63, appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Thursday to apply for bail after he was charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child under 16 years old.

The court heard the alleged rape occurred in 2014 and was not reported until 2021; Roberts was arrested this week.

Roberts, who lives in Dalmeny, denies the allegations and plans to defend them.

Defence lawyer Lurline Dillon-Smith told the court Roberts left the military in 1996 after he suffered a spinal injury in a parachute incident.

He then suffered a workplace injury at Narooma Sporting and Services Club.

She said her client received a disability pension, had to undergo several surgeries and took medication on an ongoing basis to manage his pain.

The court heard Roberts also had depression and was diagnosed with PTSD. He also formerly attended counselling with Brothers in Arms, but hadn’t been for 12 months.

Christopher Roberts was granted bail in Wollongong Local Court. Picture: Steven Bell

The court heard Roberts had no criminal record, had never been charged, and attended the police station to discuss the allegations when requested.

Ms Dillon-Smith said Roberts had lived in Dalmeny for more than 20 years with his wife, but was now selling his house following his recent separation.

Ms Dillon-Smith said apart from going to the supermarket, Roberts did not go outside and was socially isolated because of the pain he suffered, so he didn’t have contact with children.

She also said her client wanted to re-engage with the counselling service to address his mental health.

Registrar Tina McKenna agreed to release Roberts on strict bail conditions due to his medical conditions, physical injuries and mental health.

Roberts must live at his home, comply with an apprehended violence order, report to police three times a week, not contact the alleged victim or her family and not be in the company of a child under 18 years old unless supervised.

The case was adjourned to January 9 at Batemans Bay Local Court.