QLD: Man faces court on child sex charges

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-1998
QLD: Man faces court on child sex charges

BRISBANE, Dec 8 AAP - A prominent Queensland man faced a Brisbane court today on child sex
charges, which his counsel said would be strongly contested.

The 58-year old man, who was supported by his wife and children during the brief
Magistrates Court appearance, is facing 47 counts of indecent dealing with boys and girls
under the age of 14 between 1961 and 1972.

Under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act in Queensland, a person charged with a sexual
offence cannot be named until committed for trial or sentence.

No plea was required and the man was remanded to reappear on March 15 for mention.

His solicitor, Terry OGorman, criticised the three months delay, accusing police of having
to cobble together a case against his client.

"It is hard to see why such a lengthy remand is needed, but if the officers need that long
to cobble a case together then I have to cop it," Mr OGorman said, adding that the
allegations would be strongly contested.

Police sought a lengthy remand because of staggered annual leave for officers.

Outside the court, Mr OGorman said his client would be entering a strong not guilty plea.

"The case will now be defended very strenuously, charge by charge.

"When my client is given the opportunity to enter a plea he will be entering very strongly
and forcefully a plea of not guilty," Mr OGorman said.

The 47 charges against the man involve 15 children - 12 girls and three boys.

AAP smk/trm/br

KEYWORD: SUMMONS (CARRIED EARLIER)

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