Man in court facing two historical counts of indecently dealing with a child he is related to in Albany

An Albany man has been charged with two sex offences against a child he is related to, appearing in Albany Magistrates Court for the first time last week. The 56-year-old appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with two counts of indecently dealing with a child who is a lineal or defacto relative. The first charge allegedly occurred in Albany between July 6, 2017 and July 6, 2018. The second is alleged to have occurred in Spencer Park on July 7, 2023. The accused — who the Advertiser has chosen not to name to protect the identity of the victim — has not yet pleaded to the charges. When asked by magistrate Erin O’Donnell if he understood the charges against him, he said “yes, but no”. She explained that he did not need to understand the details of what was alleged, but rather if he understood what the charge meant, to which he nodded. The 56-year-old had his bail extended and will next appear in Albany Magistrates Court for a committal mention date on March 3. If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.