Mark Ladmore trial day six: Crown, defence present closing statements

In a matter of days after the culmination of a week-long trial, judgment will be handed down to a South Coast business owner accused of sexually assaulting a child on a number of occasions.

Mark Ladmore’s trial began on Monday, March 17. Picture: Tom McGann

In a matter of days after the culmination of a week-long trial, judgment will be handed down to a South Coast business owner accused of sexually assaulting a child on a number of occasions.

Evidence in the judge-only trial of airconditioning company operator Mark Ladmore, 44, concluded in Bega District Court on Friday, following a week of proceedings before Judge Andrew Haesler SC.

Judge Haesler confirmed Ladmore, who previously pleaded not guilty to sexual touching, grooming, possessing child abuse material, inciting a child, assaulting a child, aggravated sexual intercourse, and producing abuse material, will have a judgment handed down on Friday.

The charges against Ladmore stem from allegations he sexually abused, assaulted and groomed the child on multiple occasions.

Ladmore’s incoming judgment follows closing statements from Crown prosecutor Roger Kimbell and defence barrister David McCallum on Monday.

Mark Ladmore’s Judgement will be handed down in Bega District Court. Picture: Tom McGann

Mr Kimbell argued it was “clear” Ladmore was “obsessed” with the child, alleging his efforts to make them feel special was a ploy to coerce the child into sex.

The Crown also reiterated accusations of Ladmore allegedly assaulting the child if they refused to partake in oral activities, telling the court the child once allegedly returned home with a red mark on their face.

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

Mr Kimbell asked Judge Haesler to closely consider Ladmore’s examination on Friday, alleging the accused was fabricating reality.

He also reminded the court of the more than 100 child abuse images allegedly located on various devices owned by Ladmore.

“When he was arrested, he deliberately left his phone in the car,” Mr Kimbell claimed.

“He did so because of what images were on it.”

However, Ladmore’s defence barrister returned to a sentiment he alluded to at the commencement of the trial, urging the court to consider the alleged victim’s reliability.

Mr McCallum also noted an argument made by Ladmore during cross examination, where the accused argued: “If I was doing these things, why would they (the child) keep coming back?”

The closing statements follow days of evidence from various individuals, including the case’s officer in charge, senior constable David Smart, who informed the court of discoveries detectives allegedly made when searching Ladmore’s belongings, including a number of sex toys he allegedly used on the child.

The statements also follow evidence from Ladmore’s ex-wife, who alleged she found child abuse images on his computer, saying he then claimed his devices were hacked when confronted.

Judge Andrew Haesler will hand down judgment in Bega District Court on Friday.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]