Joe Prendergast committal hearing on rape charges continues

A closed court hearing into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Wide Bay businessman has continued for its fifth day, with an end to the matter finally in sight.

Joe Prendergast (left) walking into Kingaroy Courthouse with one of his lawyers on March 25, 2025.

A closed court hearing into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Wide Bay businessman to determine whether it goes to trial is continuing, with more evidence still to be heard later this year.

Mr Prendergast and his legal team appeared in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Tuesday, May 6 for the fifth day of the proceedings which started in March, with multiple witnesses again giving evidence.

Mr Prendergast has been charged with 11 counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and one attempted indecent assault of a child under 16.

He is the managing director of Dusty Joe’s Pty Ltd, which operates the Dusty Hill Vineyard in Moffatdale and the Goomeri Bakery.

He was charged in July, 2023.

Joe Prendergast and his legal team appeared in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Tuesday, May 6 for the fifth day of the proceedings which started in March, with multiple witnesses again giving evidence.

No pleas have been entered in relation to any of the charges.

The committal hearing to determine whether there was enough evidence for the allegations to be brought before a higher court has been held in a closed courtroom to protect the identity of an underage alleged victim.

The matter was again adjourned to Tuesday, July 8 at the Murgon Magistrates Court for what believed to be the last day of the committal hearing.

Originally published as Joe Prendergast committal hearing on rape charges continues