A former Australian rules football umpiring coach has appeared in court charged with the persistent sexual abuse of a 16-year-old boy in the 1980s. Michael Rigo, 68, was arrested at his home in Denman Prospect, Canberra, on Thursday night and granted conditional bail on Friday.
Rigo faces four counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of acts of indecency without consent. Court documents allege he met, groomed, and abused the teenager between 1985 and 1987 while serving as his umpiring coach.
The alleged abuse began after the boy got a flat tyre on his bicycle while returning from an AFL umpire day. Rigo, also in umpiring uniform, offered him a lift home, then spoke to the boy's parents and secured permission to provide coaching. The alleged incidents occurred after sessions, in Rigo's car or home.
Police said Rigo told the victim not to disclose the abuse, claiming it would ruin the boy's future career. The family also reported that Rigo falsely claimed to be a police officer. Rigo is currently registered as a paramedic.
Detective Acting Inspector Lauren Gilliland noted that such reports often take decades, with an average of 20 years for male victims. Police are appealing for anyone with information, particularly regarding Rigo's involvement with community organisations in the mid-1980s or his time in South Australia.
