William 'Rob' Gilfillan, already serving Australia's longest sentence for child sexual abuse against his daughter, has been sentenced to an additional seven-and-a-half years for what the judge described as 'brazen and forcible' sexual crimes against two schoolgirls in the 1980s. The sentence will be served concurrently with his existing 48-year term.
Conviction for Traralgon High School Crimes
In December, the 69-year-old former physical education teacher was found guilty of indecent assault of a person under 16 and sexual penetration of a child under 16. The five counts involved two victims and took place at Traralgon high school in Gippsland, Victoria.
Appearing before the Victorian county court via video link from Barwon prison, Gilfillan repeatedly shook his head as Chief Justice Amanda Chambers detailed his crimes. Chambers noted that Gilfillan denied his offending and there was no prospect of rehabilitation.
Breach of Trust
'Teachers are entrusted by their schools and school communities in the performance of their role,' Chambers said. 'This case highlights the profound and enduring harm caused where offending transgresses that foundational relationship of trust.'
Chambers acknowledged the unprecedented length of the sentence imposed by the New South Wales district court in 2016 for the rape and torture of his daughter, which means Gilfillan will not be eligible for parole until he is 92. 'If you are not granted parole, by the time you have served your 48-year sentence, you will have reached the age of 104,' she said. 'It is more likely than not that you will die in custody.'
Concurrent Sentence
Chambers ruled that adding to the 48-year sentence would result in a 'wholly disproportionate sentence for the entirety of your criminality' and ordered the new term to be served concurrently. 'It is nonetheless important to recognise and state that the individual sentences of imprisonment imposed on you today are a vindication of the two victims whose accounts of your sexual abuse were believed despite your denials,' she added.
The court heard how one victim, known as BM, became an isolated teenager due to the hurt, confusion and pain she experienced and was in a 'dark place for a very long time'. Another victim, TC, described Gilfillan thrusting his penis into her vagina in the back of the school gym, which she said really hurt.
Media and Investigation
Between 2016 and December 2025, Gilfillan could not be named in the media due to facing Victorian charges before a jury. In 2023, extensive interviews with Gilfillan and his former wife Karen Gilfillan formed the basis of a podcast by The Australian newspaper, which raised doubt about their guilt. Karen was also jailed for her role in the sexual abuse of their daughter.
Guardian Australia revealed in April that Corrective Services NSW is investigating how The Australian's journalist Richard Guilliatt was able to interview the couple while incarcerated. The podcast claimed the case may be a 'grave miscarriage of justice', though the couple maintained their innocence.
