Court: Simon Peter Happy charged with historic sexual abuse

A Goulburn Valley beekeeper has been charged with 20 counts sexual assault dating back to 2012.

Mundoona's Simon Happy has been charged with historic sexual abuse.

A Goulburn Valley beekeeper has been accused of historic sexual abuse crimes that allegedly went on for over eight years.

Simon Peter Happy, 44, has been charged with 20 counts of sexual assault, including rape, dating back to 2012.

Mr Happy, of Moira Shire town Mundoona, fronted the Seymour Magistrates’ Court for a brief filing hearing on September 19.

Mr Happy, who appeared via video link, was charged by Seymour Sex Offence and Child Abuse detectives on August 20.

Mr Happy, known as the Happy Bee Bloke, runs a beekeeping business that “safely rehomes bees” across the Greater Shepparton region.

Magistrate Amina Bhai told Mr Happy, who had been charged on summons, she would place him on bail.

“You have compelling reasons to justify the granting of bail,” Ms Bhai said.

“I do not think it is appropriate for me to continue to adjourn the matter without placing the accused on bail.”

Mr Ghattas had argued that bail was not necessary as the offending was quite dated.

“It is not necessary to place Mr Happy on bail,” Mr Ghattas said.

Mr Happy’s most recent alleged offence occurred in August 2020.

Mr Happy will next appear at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on November 26 for a committal mention.

He will have to appear in person at the next date.