Kyle Daniels: 6yo girl to give evidence at accused swim teacher sex assault trial
The evidence from a group of girls aged between six and 11 will be played in court next week at the trial for Mosman swimming teacher Kyle Daniels who has pleaded not guilty to two dozen alleged child sex offences.
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The evidence from a group of girls aged between six and 11 will be played in court next week at the trial for swimming teacher Kyle Daniels for alleged child sex offences.
Daniels, 22, has pleaded not guilty to two dozen charges, including having sex with a child under 10-years-old, when he was coaching young girls at Mosman Swim Centre from mid-2018 to early 2019.
The former Knox Grammar School prefect was supported by his mother Janine Daniels at the John Madison Tower on Friday for a hearing ahead of a five-week jury trial beginning Monday.
Police previously told the court the nine children would be appearing via video link, with one given permission to hold a special toy.
On Friday, the court heard the interviews were “informal”, with parents supporting the girls in some videos and the first names of lawyers used.
Daniels’ barrister Leslie Nicholls told the court a transcript should be given to the jury after the videos are played.
“There should be attention drawn to demonstrations in interviews,” Mr Nicholls said.
“They should not have it at the time. They should watch the demeanour, the manner (of the girls) and extent of the questioning.”
Judge Kara Shead agreed.
Unlike a regular trial, Judge Kara Shead told the court jurors would be “scattered” around the courtroom due to COVID restrictions.
“It’s not going to be ideal,” Ms Shead said.
“We might be dealing with a courtroom which is not as we wish. There‘s only a limited number of deliberation rooms available.”
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Ms Shead said jurors could be dismissed if they were “worried with the environment”, but she would be discerning.
“We run the risk of people wishing to be excused to go to work the next day,” she said.
Daniels remains on $100,000 strict conditional bail and is believed to be living with his parents in their $2.3 million home on the north shore.
The case was adjourned to Monday.