Former private school coach, Andrew James Cleary, to contest evidence over child sex allegations
A former Geelong private school rowing coach charged with a series of child sex offences will have an opportunity to contest evidence against him at a committal hearing, a court has heard.
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A former Geelong private school rowing coach charged with a series of child sex offences will have an opportunity to contest evidence against him at a committal hearing, a court has heard.
Andrew James Cleary, 66, appeared in the Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday facing 10 historical charges against teenagers alleged to have taken place over a two-year period across different locations in Victoria.
He stands accused of seven counts of sexual penetration of a 17-year-old child while under his authority as a sports coach, and two of the same offence against a 16-year-old child.
He is also accused of the same offence on a teen, aged 16 or 17, in North Geelong.
Mr Cleary, who appeared well-groomed sporting a trimmed beard, white blazer and slacks, was represented in court by defence counsel Hollie Lyons.
Ms Lyons said her client was seeking an adjournment for a contested committal hearing, which is used to decide if there’s enough evidence for a case to go to trial in a higher court.
The court heard two witnesses would be requested at the hearing, with one complainant now an adult.
The Office of Public Prosecutors (OPP) will present their case against Mr Cleary at the one day hearing, with witnesses likely to be called for cross-examination by Ms Lyons.
Mr Cleary’s defence can also call witnesses.
A magistrate will then determine whether a jury could convict based on the evidence, with the case likely to proceed to the County Court if that ruling is made.
Mr Cleary, a former Geelong College and Geelong Grammar staff member, has helped guide several Olympic rowers over his coaching career, including his daughter, ex-Geelong College students and Barwon Rowing Club members.
Magistrate Simon Guthrie granted the adjournment and set the contested committal hearing for September 27, in Geelong.
A ground rules hearing will be heard on the same day.
Originally published as Former private school coach, Andrew James Cleary, to contest evidence over child sex allegations
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