Nowra man Gary Childs pleads guilty to assaulting multiple children
Judgement day for a NSW south coast man who assaulted children has been postponed, with a judge slamming the “disappointing state of affairs” amid concerns about a potential factual discrepancy.
The South Coast News
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A Nowra man who assaulted three underage children has told his victims he “robbed” them – and himself – of the opportunity to enjoy a happy and normal life.
Gary John Childs pleaded guilty earlier this year to a slew of assault charges, including intentionally sexually touching a child under 16 twice, four counts of indecently assaulting a child under 16, and indecently assaulting a child under the age of 10.
Appearing at Nowra District Court on Thursday, Childs told Judge Richard Weinstein he felt the “heaviest degree” of shame in his life following the assaults, admitting that his actions would have created immense “psychological torment and confusion”.
“I am extremely sorry for the things I have done,” Childs said.
“That I have caused fear and torment for other people. It’s not good enough.”
Childs told his victims he would never “pursue or torment” them and would never create further negative impacts on their life.
“My offending has had an adverse effect on the basic qualities that we’re all looking for in life,” he said.
“Things like trust, security. I think it would have made people question love – what it is.”
Childs told the court that at age seven his mother told him she was the victim of sexual abuse.
“I don’t believe the disclosure justifies or excuses (the offending),” he said.
“But, I believe it has had a significant impact on my psychology. I was exposed to extremely adult and very concerning themes at a young age.
“My mind has revolved around questions I was not prepared for. I should not have been exposed to those things.”
Childs told the court that witnessing the effects of the alleged assault on his mother during his childhood profoundly impacted his “education” as a human being and left him confused well into his adult life.
In an interview with a clinical psychologist tendered to the court, Childs admitted he believed one of his victims had potentially consented to the assault by entering a bathroom and that he did not “have to force her”. However, Childs now refuted that belief.
“It is a view that I did hold,” he said.
“Up until this portion of my life where I‘ve been forced to go inward and explore the harsh reality of the situation, I held that view.
“But, it’s something I do not align with now.”
A report compiled following a conversation between Childs and a community corrections officer shed further light on the details of Childs’ offending, including accusations he now refuted that he used alcohol and drugs as a way of “minimizing” his behaviour.
Asked if he was aware of his actions at the time, Childs said: “Not with complete coherence, because of the prevalence of substance abuse.”
Furthermore, Childs allegedly told the officer he disputed the agreed police facts and had only admitted guilt to finalise the matter. Childs disputed that on Thursday, stating he was misunderstood.
“It’s not the way I communicated myself,” Childs said.
Returning to Nowra District Court on Friday, Childs’ case was adjourned after Judge Weinstein ruled it was necessary for all notes associated with the discussion between Childs and community corrections officers to be tendered to court owing to a potential discrepancy.
“It’s a very disappointing state of affairs,” Judge Weinstein said.
“I’m very disappointed for the victims and Childs.”
The representative of the Crown Prosecution was granted a subpoena for all notes relating to the production of the sentencing assessment report. The community corrections officers involved are also now expected to give evidence.
Childs will return to Nowra District Court on December 6, prior to sentencing on December 16.
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