Former Perth Child Psychiatrist Denies Indecent Assault Charges, Cites OCD
Benjamin Wen, a former Perth child psychiatrist previously convicted of filming boys urinating in public toilets, has denied allegations of indecently touching patients, attributing his past actions to obsessive compulsive disorder. The trial, ongoing in the WA District Court since January 20, involves 18 offences against 15 boys in Perth's south between 2012 and 2016, when he was known as Aaron Voon.
Suppression Order Lifted, Revealing Details of Allegations
Initially, details of the claims were suppressed, but the order has since been lifted. The jury was informed that the complainants were neurodivergent patients whom Wen allegedly gave physical examinations to, under the guise of checking their puberty progression. This revelation has brought the case into the public eye, highlighting serious concerns about professional misconduct in healthcare settings.
Prior Conviction in Canada and Local Investigations
Wen's prior conviction in 2017 for eight child exploitation material offences stems from an incident in Canada, where he was caught red-handed attempting to video a 10-year-old boy using a urinal in an Edmonton cinema. Canadian authorities discovered three more clips of boys urinating on his phone, yet he was allowed to return to Western Australia. Upon his return, police raided his home and clinic, uncovering additional videos of young males using urinals, many captured at a Booragoon shopping centre, and over 400 still images focusing on their genitals.
Defence Claims OCD and Autism Influenced Behavior
Under questioning by his defence lawyer Anthony Elliott, Wen acknowledged his past offending and expressed deep regret. He stated, "Those most unfortunate behaviours were tied into the issues of autism and OCD that I was particularly struggling with at the time." Wen described being plagued by mental visions of bacteria and viruses, as well as disturbing thoughts about his pets, which he claimed led to a germ anxiety that he attempted to manage by studying images intently, including those related to male urination.
Wen Denies Sexual Intent and Current Allegations
Wen testified that the zooming in on genitals was an OCD-driven "preoccupation with detail," admitting he lost insight into the inappropriateness of his actions. He denied the latest allegations of indecent touching, asserting they did not occur. Wen explained that his germaphobia caused him to avoid physical contact, leading him to examine patients through their clothes or with medical instruments when necessary.
Prosecution Argues Pattern of Sexual Interest
Prosecutor Tracy Tan, in her cross-examination, contended that Wen's prior offending demonstrates a tendency toward sexual interest in boys. She noted that media coverage of his previous case prompted the 15 new complainants to come forward, suggesting a pattern of behavior that extends beyond his claimed mental health issues. The trial continues as both sides present their arguments, with the outcome pending further evidence and testimony.
