Barry Cable Perth court trial in 2024 for child abuse charges removes his football honors

Barry Cable was a famous football star, but he is now in court for hurting children in the 1960s. This trial is different because a judge alone will decide the result.
By Newsroom | Sports Law, Perth |

HISTORICAL ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE SURFACE IN TRIAL

== Barry Cable, once lauded as a celebrated figure in Australian football, is currently facing grave accusations of child sexual abuse stemming from events alleged to have occurred in the 1960s. The prosecution contends that Cable, in his Perth home, engaged in acts of penetration with his finger against an eight-year-old child.== Further details presented to the court suggest the alleged victim was told she was "special" and "loved" by Cable, but that her parents did not share these sentiments.

Child sex trial told of ex-footy champion Barry Cable’s ‘dark side’ - 1

The court heard that the alleged victim would experience terror, hiding from sight or refusing to answer her door upon hearing a car approach her home. A harrowing account described the victim freezing in fear upon seeing Cable at a restaurant. The abuse is described as having continued on a near-daily basis until the child was returned to her home. On one occasion, Cable allegedly referred to the girl as "useless" when an attempted sexual act was unsuccessful.

Read More: UK Athletics Pleads Guilty to Corporate Manslaughter After Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei's Death in London

Child sex trial told of ex-footy champion Barry Cable’s ‘dark side’ - 2

Cable, a former 'AFL Legend' and Hall of Fame inductee, denies all allegations. He has been stripped of these honours since the accusations became public. His legal team has secured a ruling for a judge-alone trial, a decision supported by his sons, Shane and Barry Junior, who have attended court proceedings.

Child sex trial told of ex-footy champion Barry Cable’s ‘dark side’ - 3

== The scope of the accusations extends beyond the 1960s case, with other women coming forward in civil proceedings. One woman alleges inappropriate touching and indecent exposure between the ages of eight and fourteen in the 1980s and 1990s. Another claims an attempted sexual assault in a spa when she was around eleven during the 1980s. These alleged incidents, according to this woman, sometimes occurred in the presence of other children, including Cable's sons. She also alleges physical touching of her breasts over approximately three years. The civil trial judge noted "compelling evidence" suggesting Cable may have harmed other children.

Read More: Zac Lomax joins Western Force in March 2026 to play Rugby after NRL contract fight

Child sex trial told of ex-footy champion Barry Cable’s ‘dark side’ - 4

BACKGROUND

Barry Cable is a name historically synonymous with Australian Rules Football. His career saw him achieve significant accolades, cementing his status within the sport. However, these public recognitions stand in stark contrast to the deeply troubling allegations now being scrutinised within the legal system. The proceedings cast a shadow over his once-celebrated legacy, raising questions about the hidden realities behind public personas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 1960s abuse charges against Barry Cable in Perth?
Barry Cable is accused of hurting an eight-year-old girl many times at his home in the 1960s. The court heard that he told the girl she was special to make her stay quiet about the abuse.
Q: Why did Barry Cable lose his AFL Hall of Fame honors?
He was stripped of his awards because several women came forward with serious claims of abuse. The football league removed his name after these reports became public to protect the sport's reputation.
Q: What happened during the civil trial against Barry Cable?
Other women told the court that Cable touched them inappropriately in the 1980s and 1990s. A judge said there was strong evidence that Cable may have harmed multiple children over many years.
Q: Why is a judge alone deciding the Barry Cable trial in 2024?
His legal team asked for a trial without a jury, and the court accepted this request. This means one judge will listen to all the facts and decide if Cable is guilty of the crimes.