Barry Cable will have a trial with only a judge for old abuse charges in Perth

Barry Cable faces 7 criminal charges for things that happened over 50 years ago. This is the first time he will stand trial without a jury for these claims.
By Newsroom | Legal News, Perth |

CLAIMS EMERGE OF SPAS AND UNDRESSING

Several women have detailed alleged encounters involving Barry Cable, a once-celebrated figure in Australian football, with claims of sexual abuse dating back decades. The accusations centre on incidents reportedly occurring in backyard spas and at his home, with some allegations involving minors as young as 11 or 12.

‘He’d laugh’: Disgraced football great Barry Cable accused of abusing girls in spa - 1

Reports indicate that specific allegations include:

‘He’d laugh’: Disgraced football great Barry Cable accused of abusing girls in spa - 2

  • Fondling of breasts while the complainant sat on his lap, with the complainant feeling his penis against her body.

  • Encounters in backyard spas with other children present.

  • Allegations of inappropriate touching between the ages of eight and 14.

  • Instances of Cable exposing himself at his home.

  • Attempts at sexual contact within a spa when the complainant was about 11.

  • Touching of upper thighs during car rides.

  • Claims of nudity when answering the door.

These testimonies, some emerging in civil proceedings and others in court, describe incidents that allegedly occurred over several years, often in settings where other children were present, including Cable's sons.

‘He’d laugh’: Disgraced football great Barry Cable accused of abusing girls in spa - 3

Barry Cable has been stripped of his 'AFL Legend' and Hall of Fame status following these accusations. He faces multiple charges, including seven offences stemming from alleged incidents involving a young girl in the 1960s. Cable denies all allegations.

In a recent legal development, Cable secured a judge-alone trial, a decision made by a judge who will consider the evidence without a jury. This legal maneuver is considered a win for the defence. Prosecutors have previously requested more time to consider the charges.

Read More: Florida Bar Confirms No Investigation for Lindsey Halligan in May 2024

BACKGROUND TO THE ALLEGATIONS

The claims against the former AFL star span several decades. Multiple women have come forward, with some stating they did not report the incidents at the time for fear of not being believed. A police investigation occurred in 1998, though no charges were laid then. The current legal actions involve both criminal charges and civil claims.

The alleged abuses have surfaced in reports from various news outlets over recent years, detailing testimony given in court and in civil cases. The timeframe of the alleged events ranges from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Barry Cable having a trial without a jury in Perth?
A judge decided that Barry Cable will have a judge-alone trial for his criminal charges. This means a single judge will decide if he is guilty instead of a group of 12 normal people.
Q: What are the abuse charges against Barry Cable from the 1960s?
Barry Cable faces seven charges for hurting a young girl many years ago. Several women say he touched them or showed himself to them in spas and cars between the 1960s and 1990s.
Q: Why did the AFL remove Barry Cable from the Hall of Fame in 2023?
The AFL took away his Legend status because of the serious abuse claims made against him in court. This happened after a judge in a civil case found he had abused a young girl.
Q: What specific things is Barry Cable accused of doing in the past?
Women say he touched them inappropriately in backyard spas and cars when they were as young as 11 years old. He is also accused of showing himself without clothes when answering his door.
Q: Does Barry Cable say he is guilty of these old crimes?
No, Barry Cable says he did not do any of these things. He denies all the claims made by the women and is fighting the charges in court.