Former St Kilda Little League coach Darrell Ray fails to appear in court

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a former St Kilda Little League coach and primary school teacher after he failed to front court on historic assault charges.

Former St Kilda Little League Coach Darrell Ray is facing 26 indecent assault charges.

An arrest warrant has been issued for a former Melbourne primary school teacher and little league coach who failed to front court on historic assault charges.

Ray Cosgriff, formerly known as Darrell Ray, was due to front the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday on 26 counts of indecent assault against a male.

The 82-year-old, believed to be living in Queensland, was charged earlier this month following a decades-long probe by Victoria Police’s Sex Crimes Squad.

Former St Kilda Little League Coach Darrell Ray is now called Ray Cosgriff.

Eight victims made accusations against Mr Cosgriff in his absence, with charge sheets detailing the shocking crimes he’s alleged to have committed over almost a decade.

In total he faces 26 charges of indecent assault against males in Moorabbin, Beaumaris and Hampton between 1967 to 1976.

Among the allegations are that he touched the genitals and anus of his victims, and placed one person’s hand on his penis, making the victim masterbate him.

The court heard Mr Cosgriff was aware of his court date and was spoken to by legal representatives as recently as Thursday.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington issued a warrant for his arrest.

Mr Cosgriff worked as Beaumaris Primary School’s librarian between 1971 and 1976 while coaching St Kilda Little League.

He also taught at Moe Primary School and My View Primary School in Glen Waverley.