Former NSW MP Rory Amon Testifies in Supreme Court Over Sexual Abuse Allegations
Former state Liberal MP Rory Amon began giving evidence in his New South Wales supreme court trial on Friday, pleading not guilty to 10 charges related to various sexual acts allegedly involving a 13-year-old boy in 2017. The 36-year-old claimed in court that the boy told him he was 17 before the alleged incidents occurred, disputing the complainant's account that he had stated he was 15.
Alleged Contact and Age Dispute in Court Proceedings
The jury heard that Amon had contacted the teenager through the apps Grindr and Snapchat, where they exchanged explicit photos, including images of Amon's erect penis. However, Amon denied knowing the boy's true age during their interactions. "The question of age was asked ... I do recall he said he was 17," Amon stated in court. He emphasized that age was a critical factor for him, noting, "It was an issue for me [if they were] under 16."
Under questioning from his barrister, Matthew Johnston SC, Amon repeatedly asserted that none of the images or messages indicated the boy was younger than claimed. "No ... I would have ceased communication," he testified. The former politician also spoke about his personal struggles, expressing guilt and shame from using Grindr as he grappled with his sexuality, revealing, "I was not out sexually until, I guess, now."
Background and Political Career Amidst Allegations
At the time of the alleged contact in 2017, Amon was advancing in his political career, working full-time for then-federal MP for Mackellar, Jason Falinski, and campaigning for preselection in upcoming council elections. He later served two terms on the Northern Beaches council before being elected as the Liberal MP for Pittwater in 2023. The allegations stem from two meetings in June and July 2017, which Amon arranged after communicating with the boy on Snapchat.
According to the prosecutor, the sexual activity took place in a communal bathroom connected to a car park in the building where the boy lived. The complainant, now 22, testified that he felt excited and giddy about meeting Amon, hoping it might lead to a romantic relationship. During the first meeting, Amon allegedly wore grey tracksuit pants, a white Adidas hoodie, and ugg boots, and after leading the teen into the bathroom, he flushed the toilet and commented on the smell before sitting on the floor.
Details of Alleged Incidents and Legal Proceedings
The ex-MP is accused of placing the boy's hand on his genitals and directing him to engage in sexual intercourse. In a second alleged meeting, which Amon denied occurred, the prosecutor described sexual assaults while the pair were standing and then laying on a towel brought by Amon. He allegedly attempted to have sexual intercourse with the teen before instructing him to perform another sexual act. The complainant reported the incidents to his teacher, psychiatrist, parents, and friends in 2017.
Amon's trial continues, with further evidence scheduled for Monday. The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny and the complexities of age verification in digital communications, as the court weighs the conflicting accounts between the former MP and the alleged victim.
