The child sexual assault case against prominent Illawarra Aboriginal activist Roy ‘‘Dootch’’ Kennedy has been adjourned to June, as the prosecution awaits the results of DNA tests.
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The Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy founder fronted Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday charged with nine child sex offences relating to incidents that allegedly occurred between 1991 and 1999. He is yet to plead.
Police charge sheets allege Kennedy had sexual intercourse with a child aged between 10 and 16 years old on six occasions between 1992 and 1996. They also allege he raped a minor on separate occasions in 1997 and 1999.
In a brief mention of the matter on Wednesday, Kennedy’s lawyer agreed to a request from the Director of Public Prosecutions to adjourn the case until June 11. The court heard while most of the prosecution’s brief of evidence against Kennedy had been served on his lawyer, the result of DNA testing from the complainant was still outstanding.
Kennedy stepped down as chairman of the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council last month in the wake of the child abuse claims, after several members of the community, including NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello, said it was not appropriate for him to remain in the position while the matter was before the court.
Kennedy has been excused from attending the court on the next mention date.
