Indigenous Elder faces court on historical sexual abuse allegations

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 02:32 · Archive

Prominent Indigenous Elder Mick Mundine, 79, faced court accused of sexually assaulting a teenager in 1986.

Mick Mundine, a Bundjalung man and prominent Indigenous Elder and entrepreneur, appeared in court facing charges of child sexual assault and indecent assault. He is accused of sexually abusing a Redfern teenager four decades ago. The 79-year-old brother of late boxer Tony Mundine and uncle of former NRL player and boxer Anthony Mundine was arrested on Thursday following an investigation that began in December.

Sydney councillor Yvonne Weldon publicly identified herself as the alleged victim, stating she was 15 years old at the time of the alleged 1986 assault. In a statement on social media, she said she had carried 'a four-decade-long burden' and came forward 'to break the culture of silence that allows abuse to continue'. She added: 'To other survivors of alleged abuse in its many forms, you are not alone. It is never too late to speak up and seek support.'

Mundine appeared before the Downing Centre court on Wednesday and sat with his hands clasped throughout proceedings. He is on bail and did not answer reporters' questions outside court. His lawyer, Fahim Arya, said he intended to fight the historical charges. The matter has been referred to the Department of Public Prosecutions and will next be heard on 28 October.

How it is being reported

• Indigenous Elder in court on sexual abuse allegationsA prominent Indigenous Elder and businessman has faced court accused of historical sexual assault, before attempting to evade a press pack outside.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 02:16
• Indigenous Elder in court on sexual abuse allegationsA prominent Indigenous Elder and businessman has faced court accused of historical sexual assault, before attempting to evade a press pack outside.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 02:16

In this story: Mick Mundine · Yvonne Weldon · Tony Mundine · Anthony Mundine · Redfern · Sydney · Redfern Aboriginal Corporation

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