Barry Cable Stands Trial Over Historical Child Sex Abuse Allegations
Disgraced AFL star Barry Cable, now aged 82, has once again entered the courtroom to face trial over historical child sex abuse allegations dating back to the 1960s. The former Australian Rules footballer, who vehemently denies all charges, is appearing in the District Court of Western Australia, charged with five counts of indecently dealing with a girl under 13 and two counts of carnal knowledge of a child under 13.
Shocking Testimony from the Complainant
The complainant, a woman now in her 60s, gave evidence via a remote room, alleging that Mr Cable attempted to rape her "about three or four times" when she was a child. She testified that the abuse occurred over several weeks between 1967 and 1969, when she was eight or nine years old, at Mr Cable's marital home. At the time, Mr Cable was in his early 20s and at the peak of his football career, having won premierships in both the WAFL and VFL.
The woman described how Mr Cable was initially "loving" towards her but began fondling her when his wife Helen, who is expected to testify in his defence, was asleep or not present. She recounted one incident where he entered her room at night, removed her nightie, and started touching her, eventually attempting to have sex with her. She stated that he was unsuccessful and then called her "useless" before leaving.
Further allegations include attempts to rape her in the loungeroom and the use of a lotion she later identified as petroleum jelly. The woman also claimed that Mr Cable forced her to perform vile acts, telling her it was a way to show love.
Defence Challenges Credibility and Motives
High-profile lawyer Tom Percy KC, representing Mr Cable, aggressively challenged the complainant's credibility during cross-examination. He pointed out discrepancies in her testimony, such as describing the Cable household as fancy with a beachside location, swimming pool, and air conditioning. In reality, Mr Percy asserted, the Cables lived in a modest, two-bedroom house on a semi-rural lot in Gosnells during that period.
Under re-examination by prosecutor Kim Jennings, the woman clarified that she was recalling a different family dwelling from her youth, not the Cable home. Mr Percy also accused her of being financially motivated, suggesting she was aware of a prior civil case against Mr Cable before filing her police complaint in 2023. In that civil matter, Judge Mark Herron ruled that Mr Cable likely sexually abused five other children in the 1960s and 1970s, awarding damages of over $800,000, though Mr Cable declared bankruptcy and paid nothing.
The complainant firmly denied any financial motives, stating, "No I did not" want to cash in. Mr Percy further indicated that Helen Cable would testify the child never stayed at their home overnight.
Additional Evidence and Trial Details
The State plans to call three other women who allege they were sexually abused by Mr Cable as children. At least one is expected to describe him giving "weekly lessons" about sex, which prosecutor Kim Jennings argued shows "a tendency of Barry Cable to be sexually attracted to young underage girls and to act upon that sexual interest."
Mr Percy dismissed these allegations as "completely untrue" and "fantasy," emphasizing that timing and factual analysis would prove no opportunity for the offences to occur as alleged. Due to extensive media coverage, Mr Cable was granted a judge-alone trial last year to ensure fairness, with Judge Michael Bowden presiding. The trial is scheduled for seven days but may conclude early, with Mr Cable's sons Shane and Barry Junior observing from the public gallery.
Barry Cable, once an illustrious figure in Australian football, has been stripped of his Australian Football Hall of Fame honours following his career with Perth, East Perth in the WAFL, and North Melbourne in the VFL, as well as his coaching roles.
