https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/16z728u/any_updates_on_this_case_in_australia/
shared by Scozzadog: report by Jorina Maureschat (same website as first post on this thread) September 29, 2023 - 2:50PM
"New delays in Jehovah’s Witness figure court case
A Sunshine Coast Jehovah’s Witness figure accused of horrific sex crimes remains behind bars amid further delays to the ongoing court proceedings.
Fresh delays have emerged in the court proceedings for a Sunshine Coast religious member accused of more than 50 horrific sex crimes.
A 62-year-old man – who cannot be named for legal reasons – has been charged with 54 offences including 21 counts of rape, 17 of sexual assault and torture.
It has previously been alleged the man, who was a member of the Jehovah’s Witness community, used his position to sexually assault young men between 2008 and 2018.
The man is currently on Supreme Court bail in regard to the 54 charges but was arrested for six fresh charges on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
The new allegations include sexual assault, distributing intimate images and attempting to interfere with a potential witness.
No application for bail was made when the matter was mentioned on Monday, September 25, in court.
During a court mention on Friday, September 29, defence lawyer Rémy Kurz asked for brief of evidence to be ordered for the six charges.
The fresh charges had been brought forward to be discussed with the other alleged offences.
Mr Kurz told the court an application of disclosure and for cross-examination were filed in regards to the 54 charges and asked for the matter to be set for a new directions hearing.
The court heard a directions hearing was previously refused and adjourned for a full committal hand-up initially set down for Friday.
Police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris told the court the accused had since changed counsel and wanted to start court proceedings again from the start.
“This is file is one of those ones that smells of delay tactics” Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin said.
Mr McLaughlin adjourned the matter for December 11, 2023, when the magistrates overseeing the matter returns from leave.
The man was remanded in custody."