YET more historic sex charges may be laid against an elderly Junee man accused of accosting boys in the Riverina while employed as a public school teacher.
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The expected charges were revealed in Wagga Local Court on Wednesday when the 81-year-old man’s case was mentioned by his solicitor, John Weir.
Director of Public Prosecutions solicitor, Bella Maxwell-Williams, asked magistrate Greg Grogan for an extension of time for her office to complete the brief of evidence against the accused.
“My instructions are there has been further complaint material received and time is sought for statements to be taken,” Ms Maxwell-Williams said.
“Are further charges possible?” Mr Grogan asked.
“Yes, your honour,” Ms Maxwell-Williams replied.
Mr Weir did not object to Ms Maxwell-Williams’ application.
The accused man cannot be named for legal reasons.
He currently faces 20 charges – eight counts of buggery, nine counts of assault male and commit act of indecency, two counts of indecent assault on male 14 or older and one count of assault with an act of indecency.
The charges cover alleged offences against seven boys at various times between 1965 and 1980.
The man was originally charged with five alleged offences last September 12 and granted bail by police to face court in October.
When the man made his second court appearance on the charges on December 2, another six charges were laid and he was refused bail.
Another eight charges were revealed at the third mention of the man’s case on December 14.
And when the case was mentioned again on February 22, a 20th charge was noted.
The man is in custody and was not required to appear in court for his case.
Bail was not sought and it was formally refused by Mr Grogan.
Mr Grogan extended the time for the DPP to provide Mr Weir with a brief of evidence until early May and adjourned the case until May 17.
Any fresh charges are likely to be listed on that day.
The man has not entered pleas to any of the charges.
Police have said that cases of this nature are sensitive and they would provide suitable counselling and support services to those directly affected by this investigation.
The case is likely to be ultimately finalised in the Wagga District Court.
