A Minnamurra man has indicated he will fight allegations of historical child sexual assault when the matter returns to court later this year.
The 67-year-old appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday, where his legal representative entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf to two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10, which allegedly occurred in the 1980s.
Magistrate Michael O'Brien adjourned the case to June 13 for a hearing date to be set. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was granted conditional bail to appear on that date.
Police allege the offences took place at a property in the Illawarra region between 1980 and 1982. The alleged victim, now an adult, came forward to police in 2023, prompting an investigation.
Detectives from the Child Abuse Squad arrested the man at his Minnamurra home last month. He was charged with two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10, both of which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Outside court, the man's solicitor, Mark O'Brien, said his client maintains his innocence and will vigorously defend the allegations. He noted that the delay in reporting the alleged offences would be a key issue in the proceedings.
The case has attracted significant interest in the local community, with several supporters of the accused present in court. However, legal experts caution against prejudging the matter, emphasising that the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will manage the case, which is expected to proceed to a trial in the District Court. The hearing date in June will determine the next steps, including potential witness testimony and evidence submissions.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting historical child sexual offences, where memories may fade and evidence is often limited. Authorities urge any victims of similar crimes to come forward, assuring them of support and a fair process.
