South West man is facing more than 40 child abuse charges

A man from the South West has been charged with more than 40 child abuse offences, with multiple complainants from across the region aged under 13 years old. The man — who cannot be named to protect the identities of the children — appeared via video link from Bunbury Regional Prison in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday. More than 19 new charges were read to him. He has been charged with more than 40 counts in total — including indecent dealings, persistently engaging in sexual conduct and sexual penetration without consent of children under the age of 13. These alleged assaults took place in various towns across the South West and Great Southern region from April 2022 to February 2024. There are multiple alleged victims across three towns, which cannot be named for legal reasons. The accused man was not required to enter a plea to the charges on Thursday and is next due to appear in court via video link from prison on April 29 where he is expected to enter a plea. The man was remanded in custody and bail was not considered.