Former Australian Rules footballer Barry Cable has been acquitted of historic child sexual abuse charges in a Perth court, despite the judge finding that the alleged victim was likely telling the truth. The 82-year-old faced seven charges relating to the abuse of a girl aged around eight or nine at his family home in the late 1960s.
Judge Michael Bowden delivered a not guilty verdict on Monday, stating he was not persuaded of guilt beyond reasonable doubt due to the lengthy delay and lack of independent evidence. He acknowledged the complainant's testimony was credible but insufficient for a criminal conviction.
Outside court, Cable's son Shane expressed relief, saying the allegations were at odds with the man his family knew. Cable and his wife Helen now have closure. However, one woman who gave tendency evidence expressed disappointment, claiming the system had failed victim-survivors. A related civil trial in 2023 had found Cable liable for abusing another girl, awarding $818,700 in damages, but Cable declared bankruptcy before payment.
Cable, a Hall of Fame inductee, had a distinguished playing and coaching career in the WAFL and VFL before being stripped of his honours after the civil case.
