FDC educator to fight historic abuse allegations in Albany District Court

Freya Lucas

Oct 15, 2024

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A former family day care (FDC) educator will fight charges relating to allegations that she abused a child in her care during the 1990s.

Before continuing to engage with this piece, readers should be aware that it discusses allegations of the abuse of children, which may prove distressing. A list of support services has been provided at the conclusion of the story.

The woman, now aged 61, appeared before the court in late August, and pled not guilty to one count of a charge The Sector has chosen not to explicitly name relating to a child under 13, one count of indecent dealing with a child under 13, and one count of procuring, encouraging, or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual behaviour.

It was the second time she had appeared before the court in relation to the alleged incidents after she was charged by detectives for the offences, which are alleged to have taken place between 1995 and 1996 in the West Australian Albany suburb of Yakamia.

At the time of the alleged incidents the educator was in her 30s and operating a FDC business, and the male child at the centre of the allegations was aged between four and five years.

The woman was represented by lawyer Bruno Illari who requested the charges be committed to the Albany District Court. Her bail was extended and she will next appear in Albany District Court on January 25, 2025.

If a child is in immediate danger of harm, please phone 000.

Any victim of sexual abuse or anyone that has information about someone being sexually abused is asked to contact police on 131 444, or report the information via the Safe2Say online reporting platform.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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