JUDGE FINDS ACCUSER LIKELY TRUTHFUL DESPITE ACQUITTAL
Perth, WA – Barry Cable, an 82-year-old former champion footballer, has been found not guilty of a series of historical child sexual abuse allegations. The judge-only criminal trial heard accusations that Cable abused a girl, aged about eight or nine, at his family home in the late 1960s while she was staying with him and his wife for approximately one month.
Despite the judge's finding that the alleged victim was "likely telling the truth," Cable was acquitted of all charges. The prosecution's case alleged the abuse occurred during this period, with the accuser stating that Cable treated her well at first, "then things changed."
Trial Details and Complainant's Testimony
The court heard that the complainant has not been compensated for a civil trial, noting that Cable declared bankruptcy prior to this criminal proceedings. During her testimony, she recounted details of the alleged abuse. Defense lawyers argued the case against Cable was "unsalvageable," pointing to a lack of corroborating witnesses or forensic evidence. Cable's wife, Helen, reportedly provided sworn evidence that was considered a "telling blow" to the prosecution's case.
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Accusations Beyond the Criminal Trial
While the criminal trial focused on the 1960s allegations, other reports detail accusations from women who met Cable later in life. One woman alleged sexual contact began when she was a teenager, escalating to abuse. Another described being on Cable's knee in a spa in the early 1980s when he allegedly exposed himself. A separate accusation involved alleged sexual assault for over a decade, beginning when the complainant was around 13 years old. One accuser claimed Cable told her she would not be believed due to his public profile, stating, "he was Barry Cable."
Background
Barry Cable is a prominent figure in Australian Rules Football, having played for several clubs and represented Western Australia. His acquittal comes after a trial that concluded last month, with the verdict delivered by Judge Michael Bowden. Cable's son, Shane Cable, was seen speaking outside the court following the verdict. The trial was a judge-only hearing, meaning no jury was involved in deciding the outcome.
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