Newcastle photographer Robert Eyre to face trial for alleged sexual abuse of six women

A photographer accused of sexually abusing six young models will face trial in 2022, after his cancer diagnosis delayed the original proceedings.

A Newcastle photographer who police allege sexually abused six young models will face trial next year, after cancer treatment delayed proceedings against him.

Robert John Eyre, 57, was charged in 2018 over alleged offences dating as far back as 2009, and against women as young as 17.

He has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including four counts of sexual intercourse without consent; two counts of assault with act of indecency; and one count each of common assault and procure person not prostitute for prostitution.

Robert Eyre will face a trial in the Newcastle District Court. Picture: Amy Ziniak.

On Thursday Newcastle District Court heard Eyre, from Gateshead, was first committed for trial in 2019.

“It has been vacated on a number of occasions,” Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Bonnie Herringe told the court.

Eyre’s lawyer Rebecca Suters said the delay was due to Eyre’s cancer diagnosis.

“He has undergone treatment and would be available for a trial date anytime from next year,” Ms Suters said.

The court heard the trial was likely to run for four to five weeks and hear from six alleged victims.

“I understand there’s a large amount of photographic evidence that will be relied on by the Crown,” Ms Suters said.

The trial was scheduled for March 2022 with the venue to be confirmed.

Eyre was described on his website as experienced in “all formats of photography, model portfolios, fashion, editorial, product and a passion for dancer photography”.