Ex-cop facing historic sex charges will not stand trial for crimes

There has been a major twist for a former police officer accused of sexually assaulting two young girls in the 1970s.

A former police officer accused of sexually assaulting two young girls has been deemed unfit to stand trial due to his untreated schizophrenia.

Former senior constable John Macrae is accused of assaulting two girls during the 1970s while he was serving as a police officer in Sydney’s metropolitan area.

The 69-year-old may stand trial within the next 12 months if treatment for his condition is successful.

Police allege Mr Macrae’s first victim was just 15 when he sexually assaulted her and that he went on to sexually assault a second victim, who was also under the age of 16 three times during the mid to late 1970s.

A former Sydney police officer has been deemed unfit to stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting two young girls. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

He is charged with assault female and commit act of indecency, specifically digital penetration on all three of the dates and committing fellatio on one of the victims.

A court heard on Tuesday that Mr Macrae suffered from audio and visual hallucinations as well as grandiose delusions and could not stand trial for the alleged crimes.

Forensic psychology experts agreed Mr Macrae has a long standing untreated psychiatric disorder “most likely” schizophrenia.

Mr Macrae will be allowed to remain on bail at his residence in the Brisbane suburb of Carindale where he has since moved, on the condition he reports to police once a week.

He will also see health professionals to receive treatment for his condition.

The case has been referred to the mental health tribunal for review.