Former Liberal MP Faces Financial Loss Amidst Child Sexual Abuse Allegations
A former Liberal Member of Parliament is set to incur significant financial losses after being compelled to terminate a recently signed lease agreement due to allegations of child sexual abuse. Roderick “Rory” Amon, previously representing Pittwater, NSW, is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy in Sydney’s northern beaches area in 2017.
Court Hearing for Former MP
The 35-year-old former state parliamentarian appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court on Wednesday. This appearance followed his not guilty plea to the charges of child sexual abuse.
Bail Variation Denied
Amon had requested the court to amend his bail conditions to permit him to reside in Potts Point, located in Sydney’s inner east. This request was made subsequent to signing a rental agreement for a property in January.
Clare O’Neill, Amon’s legal representative, stated to the court that there was “nothing nefarious” behind her client’s desire to relocate to an area where the complainant neither resided nor worked.
Ms. O’Neill acknowledged that signing a lease before consulting with his legal counsel regarding bail modification was not ideal. However, she attributed these circumstances to the competitive nature of Sydney’s rental market.
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Concerns Raised Over Proximity to Complainant
The court heard that Amon sought a new residence due to his high public profile on Sydney’s northern beaches, which presented challenges for his living situation.
However, prosecuting lawyers pointed out that the complainant, now in his 20s, has professional and social connections near Potts Point.
Judge David Scully noted that the alleged victim described the potential relocation as “personally catastrophic.” The complainant also expressed apprehensions about his safety stemming from Amon’s conduct throughout the protracted investigation into his complaint.
Judge Cites Distress Risk
Judge Scully ultimately denied the bail variation. He reasoned that the potential for Amon to encounter his alleged victim, thereby causing psychological distress, was deemed too significant a risk.
The court was informed that the former Liberal MP would lose a substantial amount of money, in the thousands of dollars, due to breaking the lease agreement.
Legal Proceedings Ongoing
Amon has been on bail since his initial charging in August. The charges relate to alleged offenses that occurred more than seven years prior. He is scheduled to face trial in the District Court on 10 counts. These include five charges of sexual intercourse with a minor aged between 10 and 14 years.
Following the public disclosure of the allegations, Amon resigned from the NSW Liberal Party.