Former VFL Footballer Barry Cable Cleared of Historic Child Sex Abuse Allegations
Former champion Australian Rules footballer Barry Cable has been acquitted of a series of historical child sexual abuse charges, even though the presiding judge concluded that the alleged victim was probably telling the truth. The 82-year-old faced a judge-only criminal trial in the Western Australian district court in Perth, where he was cleared of all seven charges related to incidents alleged to have occurred in the late 1960s.
Judge's Verdict and Legal Scrutiny
Judge Michael Bowden delivered the not guilty verdict on Monday, emphasising that while he found the alleged victim's account credible, the evidence did not meet the high standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt required for a criminal conviction. "I have scrutinised the evidence with great care, considering the lengthy delay and significant forensic disadvantages to Mr Cable, as well as the lack of independent, objective supporting evidence," Bowden stated. "This leads me to conclude that, although I consider it more probable than not that she is telling the truth, I am not persuaded of guilt beyond reasonable doubt in respect of any count on the indictment and acquit Mr Cable."
Allegations and Trial Details
The charges stemmed from allegations that Cable abused a girl, aged about eight or nine, at his family home in Perth during a stay of approximately one month in the late 1960s. The alleged victim testified in March, describing how Cable initially treated her well, like an uncle, before the abuse began, involving inappropriate touching and penetrative sex on multiple occasions when his wife was asleep. She reported the abuse to police in 2023 after seeing Cable on television, which she said triggered memories of the incidents.
Family Reaction and Community Impact
Outside the court, Cable's son, Shane Cable, expressed relief and support for his father, stating that the family was pleased but not surprised by the acquittal. "Dad is someone who's always inspired so many people through his football and dedicated his life after football to community work," he said. "The allegations were at extreme odds with the Barry that we know and have loved our whole life." He added that Cable and his wife, Helen, now have closure and can live out their final years with dignity.
Civil Case and Tendency Evidence
In a related civil trial in 2023, the same court found Cable liable for abusing a different girl over five years from 1968, when she was 12, awarding her $818,700 in damages. The civil judge noted compelling evidence that Cable had violated other children. However, the complainant in that case revealed that Cable declared bankruptcy before the trial, and she has not received the awarded money. During the criminal trial, three women provided tendency evidence, alleging that Cable sexually touched them in Victoria and Western Australia, though this did not lead to a conviction.
Aftermath and Legacy
Following the civil trial, Cable was stripped of his Australian Football Hall of Fame honours, tarnishing the legacy of an illustrious playing career in the 1960s and 70s with clubs like Perth, East Perth in the WAFL, and North Melbourne in the VFL. Outside the court, one of the tendency witnesses, who was also a complainant in the civil case, expressed disappointment, saying, "The system has failed his alleged victim-survivors. No matter what, we no longer feel silenced, not ashamed. The shame lies solely with him."
