Former NSW MP Rory Amon Denies Knowing Alleged Victim Was Under 16 in Court
A former New South Wales politician, Rory Amon, has firmly denied allegations that he was aware the complainant was under the age of 16 during a sexual abuse trial that has gripped the state's Supreme Court. The 36-year-old ex-state MP has pleaded not guilty to a series of criminal acts involving a 13-year-old boy at a Sydney apartment complex in 2017, with the case revealing distressing details about the alleged victim's mental health struggles in the aftermath.
Alleged Victim Testifies About Mental Anguish and Age Misrepresentation
The now 22-year-old alleged victim returned to the witness stand on Monday, providing emotional testimony to the jury. Under intense questioning from Amon's barrister, Matthew Johnston SC, the young man stated that he did not fully comprehend the first meet-up was intended for a sexual encounter, explaining, "I was 13 – I didn't really have a script for this kind of experience." He further elaborated on his developmental unpreparedness, noting, "I was developmentally not ready to be having sex, let alone with somebody twice my age."
The alleged victim disclosed that he confided in a friend shortly after the incidents, sending a text message over Instagram that read, "I feel like I was exposed to all of this way too early and it's kind of hard to process. My anxiety about it is that bad and I get stomach pains." This testimony highlights the profound psychological impact the events had on him as a teenager.
Contested Details Surrounding Age and Meetings
Central to the trial are conflicting accounts regarding the age representations and the number of meetings between Amon and the teen. The alleged victim admitted to lying about his age to access the 18-and-over gay hook-up website where they initially connected, and later presented himself as 15 years old to Amon. However, he contested Johnston's suggestion that Amon had accurately listed his age as 27 on the dating site, rather than 17 as previously testified, responding firmly, "I am certain that that is not true."
Amon denies any knowledge that the complainant was under 16, with Johnston asserting during cross-examination, "I suggest to you, you communicated to the accused you were 17 years old," to which the alleged victim replied, "I am certain that is not possible." The court also heard that the pair met twice in the apartment block's communal bathroom, where various sexual acts allegedly occurred, including kissing, touching, and intercourse. Amon admits to one meeting but disputes a second visit, a claim the alleged victim countered by stating, "My memory serves me right ... there were two incidents. The second occasion did not appear out of thin air."
Delayed Police Complaint and Ongoing Trial Proceedings
The complainant revealed that he informed his teacher, psychiatrist, parents, and friends about the alleged assaults in 2017 but did not file a formal police report until years later. This delay occurred after Amon became a local councillor, and the boy realized the politician's true identity, prompting him to come forward. Amon has pleaded not guilty to ten charges, including five counts of having sexual intercourse with a child and two counts of attempted sexual intercourse with a child, along with denying indecent assault charges.
The trial continues as the jury examines the evidence and testimonies, with the case shedding light on the complexities of underage abuse allegations and the legal processes involved. The proceedings underscore the importance of thorough investigation and victim support in such sensitive matters.
