Further delays in prosecuting alleged NT child rapist

Despite sitting on the case for almost six months, prosecutors are yet to table evidence against an alleged child rapist, with a Darwin-based Judge telling the prosecution to get a move on and deliver the outstanding material.

A man who is accused of raping his five year-old relative in a remote NT community remains in custody almost six months since his arrest, with the prosecution told to get a move on in the prosecution. Picture: Nine

Despite sitting on the case for almost six months, prosecutors are yet to table evidence against an alleged child rapist, with a Darwin-based Judge telling the prosecution to get a move on and deliver the outstanding material.

The 19 year-old defendant, who’s name is suppressed, is accused of raping his five year-old relative in a remote community on February 4, 2025.

The teenager was arrested the following day and subsequently charged with sexual intercourse with a child under 10 and gross indecency with a child under 14.

Since his arrest, his defence lawyer has indicated the charges would be contested.

Additionally, he has unsuccessfully applied for bail – twice.

In almost six months, the matter has made little progress. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

On Wednesday morning, the man’s matter returned to Darwin Local Court for a preliminary examination on the papers, to determine whether the matter should be escalated to the Supreme Court.

However, the man’s defence lawyer said she was not in a position to proceed as the prosecution were yet to handover potential evidence.

Judge Tanya Fong Lim then queried the prosecutor, who said forensic reports and several statements remained outstanding.

“So this has got well out of time in relation to sexual offences,” Judge Fong Lim said.

“It involves a child victim and a victim getting adjourned, so it’s not good enough.”

The prosecution will have until August 20 to have the forensic reports ready. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Judge Fong Lim then gave the prosecution a deadline for the material to be delivered.

“What I’m going to do is make an order that the prosecution serve all outstanding requirements, particularly forensic reports, by close of business on the 20th of August.”

Another preliminary examination on the papers was set for September 17, with Judge Fong Lim telling the prosecution there would be “no further adjournments” on the matter.

The defendant remains in custody.

A large number of matters have also been brought before the Alice Springs Local Court. Picture: Gera Kazakov.

Despite the large number of in-custody matters being brought before NT Courts, the Director of Public Prosecutions maintains it is continuing to “work through” the long queues.

“Currently, we have three full-time prosecutors specifically dedicated to managing and responding to representations, in addition to an external barrister who has been engaged to assist in dealing with them,” a DPP spokesman said.

“It is further noted that, with the additional funding that the office has received in the current year’s budget, further staff are being recruited to assist in processing representations.”