NSW man to face historic sexual assault charges

An 83-year-old man from Maroubra, NSW will face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Thursday, 26 October 2023) following an investigation into his alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old boy in the early 1980s.   

ACT Policing Sexual Assault and Child Abuse detectives allege that the man committed offences while he was a lay teacher at Marist Brothers College in Pearce, ACT between 1980 and 1981.  

He has been charged with three counts of indecent assault on a male, and two counts of buggery – these being the relevant charges at the time the offences were allegedly committed. 

The charges relate to an incident that is believed to have occurred at an apartment in Hughes, ACT in August, 1980, when the man was 41 years old.  

The man is suspected to have committed further sexual offences against another boy in the ACT in late 1980 or early 1981, however he has not been charged over these offences at this time.  

It is further suspected the man may have continued to be a lay teacher in other Australian states after he left the ACT in 1981.  

Anyone with information relating to this matter, or who may have been a victim of assaults or indecent acts allegedly committed by this man, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers from anywhere in Australia. Please quote ACT Policing reference Operation Teth.  

If you or anyone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can report to police by attending a police station or calling 131 444. You can also submit an online report for historical sexual assault incidents that occurred more than six months ago. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070  act-police-media@afp.gov.au