Mark Ladmore’s child sexual abuse trial begins in Bega District Court

The trial of a South Coast man accused of a raft of horrific sexual offending against a young child has commenced, with the vile and graphic allegations aired in a district court.

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

The trial of a South Coast man accused of a raft of horrific sexual offending against a young child has commenced, with the vile and graphic allegations aired in a district court.

Mark Ladmore’s judge-only trial began in Bega District Court on Monday, with proceedings expected to last a week.

The 44-year-old previously pleaded not guilty to two counts of intentionally sexually touching a child, grooming a child for unlawful sexual activity, possessing child abuse material, intentionally inciting a child, assaulting a child, aggravated sexual intercourse with a child, two counts of using a child to make abuse material, two counts of producing child abuse material, and intentionally carrying out a sexual act with child.

On day one of the trial sitting before Judge Andrew Haesler SC, Crown prosecutor Roger Kimbell outlined the allegations laid before Ladmore, alleging he sexually abused, assaulted and groomed the child multiple times.

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

The court was told on multiple occasions, Ladmore allegedly touched the child’s private parts, used a large sex toy on the child and made explicit demands pertaining to oral sex and then allegedly slapping the child when they refused.

Mr Kimbell also alleged Ladmore regularly bought the child gifts, including toys and lollies.

Mark Ladmore’s trial is expected to conclude on Friday. Picture: Tom McGann

The court heard suspicion first arose when the child had a large red mark on their face.

Mr Kimbell submitted the child then allegedly confided with school friends shortly after.

The accusations reached the child’s parents, who contacted police after the child “broke down” and made “full admissions”.

Following an extensive investigation, police arrested and charged Ladmore, allegedly recovering sex toys related to the alleged offending.

He was granted bail in Batemans Bay Local Court, with conditions he report to police daily.

The court heard as inquiries continued, Ladmore was given additional possess and produce child abuse material charges, after officers allegedly uncovered 139 sexualised child images on his phone.

Forensic analysis allegedly uncovered thumbnails of additional images which had allegedly been deleted.

Defence barrister David McCallum argued there was no proof when or how the alleged images appeared on Ladmore’s device.

He also submitted Ladmore believed his devices were “hacked” and the images planted without his knowledge.

Mr McCallum urged Judge Haesler to “pay close attention” to the child complainant across the trial, arguing their reliability could not prove the allegations beyond any reasonable doubt.

“Pay attention to it because that will be the focus of what I have to say in closing,” he said.

Ladmore’s judge-only trial continues this week.

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