Magistrate Aaron Simpson will decide on Friday, October 6, whether to lift the interim non-publication order on the identity of a woman who has appeared on a Channel 7 program and is charged with grave child abuse offences, including multiple counts of rape.
This development comes as part of Queensland’s revised legislation regarding the naming of individuals accused of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault.
Previously in Queensland, those charged with these crimes remained anonymous until they were sent for trial. The case saw its recent hearing at the Richlands Magistrates Court in Brisbane’s southwest on Tuesday, October 3.
Both the defendant’s lawyers and legal representatives from The Courier-Mail, Channel 10, and Channel 9 reached a consensus to postpone the decision until 2 pm on the upcoming Friday.
“I concur with the stipulated time,” Magistrate Aaron Simpson conveyed to the woman’s barrister. He also clarified his judicial competence to pass judgement on the matter at hand.
The defendant is grappling with an array of charges, which include several instances of indecent treatment towards children under the age of 16.
The woman and a man, who has also appeared on a Channel 7 program, were charged with a range of offences against children.
The woman is accused of eight counts of rape, one sexual assault, 17 counts of indecent treatment of children under 16, two charges of torture, four allegations of assault occasioning bodily harm – two of them whilst armed/in company and two common assault offences.
It’s alleged that these crimes span over a decade.
While the woman wasn’t mandated to present herself in the court for the recent hearing, the same holds true for the forthcoming session on October 6. Mr. Simpson has extended her bail and adjourned the case for further deliberation.
SOURCE: Courier Mail and 9Now
Be Brave ! Speak Up ! Is the Seven Networks “Code of Conduct” 😬
Pretty sure tone is still to line ! ! !