Child sexual abuse charges dropped against Aboriginal elder

Elder Ronald Stewart, 60, of Eurobodalla, was arrested at a house in Moruya late last year and taken to Batemans Bay police station where he was charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a child and intentional sexual contact of a child without consent.

The Moruya man, who is out on bail, had not admitted to a plea before his case was remanded to the Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, where defence lawyer Adam Sumbak announced both charges against Stewart would be dropped next time.

Police had previously alleged that the 60-year-old man raped a 15-year-old girl in Moruya – 20 kilometres south of Batemans Bay – on November 15 last year.

The prosecution did not file a response before Judge Doug Dick said he would allow two weeks to confirm the withdrawal.

Mr Sumbak did not object to the adjournment.

The charges against Stewart are due to be formally dropped in the Batemans Bay Local Court on July 22.

The Aboriginal Elder will be prohibited from appearing in person on this occasion.

Have a news tip? Email us at [email protected].