Father accused of sexually touching disabled daughter

The mother of a mentally disabled girl who was allegedly sexually abused by her father will testify for the prosecution during his criminal trial.

The 39-year-old father pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual touching of a child between the ages of 10 and 16.

The charge relates to an incident in which he allegedly touched the then 15-year-old’s breasts and genitals while she was in her bedroom.

In a New South Wales Supreme Court trial that began on Monday in Bega, southeast New South Wales, a jury was told the girl’s teacher reported the alleged abuse to police.

Crown prosecutor Nerissa Keay said the girl told her teacher in September 2022 that her father had touched her inappropriately on more than one occasion.

The incident referred to in the prosecution was allegedly the last time the father touched her.

“She said she was wearing a dress at the time of the crime,” Ms Keay told the jury.

“That he put his hand on her breast over the dress and his hand under the dress and in her underwear.”

The prosecution will involve four witnesses, including the alleged victim, her mother, the teacher and the police officer in charge of the investigation.

Defense lawyer Jonathan Cooper said the complainant’s credibility was a central issue in the trial.

“The allegations in this case come from one person,” he said.

“Their credibility, their reliability, their accuracy, their memory are the problem in this process.”

“My client asks you to listen carefully.”

The jury also heard that the father had cooperated with police and taken part in interviews despite not being legally required to do so.

“It’s about the defense that he was open and honest with the police about what was going on at home and that he didn’t do it,” Mr Cooper said.

The process continues.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse Support and Redressal Service 1800 211 028