Mark Ladmore trial day four: Detective’s discoveries revealed in search warrant footage

Footage of detectives uncovering a leather suitcase with a variety of sex toys allegedly used by a man to sexually abuse a child has been aired in a trial.

Mark Ladmore’s trial began on Monday. Picture: Tom McGann

Footage of detectives uncovering a leather suitcase with a variety of sex toys allegedly used by a man to sexually abuse a child has been aired in a trial.

Thursday, on day four of South Coast man Mark Ladmore’s judge-only trial in Bega District Court, detectives revealed items allegedly used on the child on multiple occasions – including miniature sex dolls and a collection of other objects.

The 44-year-old has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including sexual touching, grooming, possessing child abuse material, inciting a child, assaulting a child, aggravated sexual intercourse, and producing abuse material.

The charges arose after Ladmore allegedly sexually abused, assaulted, and groomed the child.

In court, vision of detectives executing a search warrant on Ladmore’s belongings following his initial arrest was played before Judge Andrew Haesler SC during the examination of senior constable David Smart – the officer in charge of the case.

Mark Ladmore’s trial is occurring in Bega District Court. Picture: Tom McGann

Mr Smart said the search followed allegations raised by the child’s mother.

Crown prosecutor Roger Kimbell told the court the child complainant informed officers about a leather suitcase with a red lock allegedly containing various sex toys, some allegedly used in the abuse.

Mark Ladmore previously leaving Batemans Bay Local Court. Picture: Tom McGann

In the police footage, officers located the suitcase and opened it to reveal the items.

Mr Kimbell alleged forensic analysis detected Ladmore’s DNA on the items.

Mr Smart’s examination followed testimony from the child’s mother, who described how the child “broke down” while disclosing the alleged abuse.

She said the child informed her of multiple instances in which Ladmore allegedly assaulted the child, made explicit demands for oral sex, and slapped them when they refused.

The mother also recounted in her evidence an allegation from her child that Ladmore opened the bathroom door with a knife to see them sitting naked in a bathtub.

However, defence barrister David McCallum previously submitted the child’s reliability would be the “focus” of his case.

Ladmore’s wife also testified, stating she had since moved out of the family home.

She alleges she discovered child abuse material on her husband’s laptop but said he insisted his device was “hacked.”

These allegations follows investigators allegedly uncovering more than 100 child abuse images on Ladmore’s phone.

Ladmore’s trial continues, with Judge Haesler expected to deliver judgment late next week.

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