Former Liberal MP Rory Amon may confront a second trial for child abuse allegations after a jury delivered a mixed verdict, clearing him of some charges while deadlocking on others related to a 13-year-old boy. The outcome has cast a shadow over his political career and sparked legal uncertainty.
Verdict and Deadlock in NSW Supreme Court
After three days of deliberations, jurors in the NSW Supreme Court found Amon not guilty of four counts of child rape, two counts of attempted child rape, and two counts of indecent assault of a child on Monday. However, they could not reach a verdict on additional charges of rape and indecent assault of a child, leading to the jury being discharged due to the deadlock.
Amon, 36, maintained a downcast gaze and blank expression as the not-guilty verdicts were read. Later, he was observed stepping from the dock with a broad grin and embracing his barrister. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges and consistently denied any criminal conduct throughout the proceedings.
Details of the Alleged Incidents
The trial revealed that Amon and the teen met in 2017 through an adults-only website, where the boy allegedly inflated his age during sign-up and in conversations. Amon, then 27 and aspiring to a political career, moved their discussion to Snapchat, where explicit messages and images were exchanged before an in-person meeting.
According to court testimony, Amon arrived at the teen's apartment block wearing a tracksuit and ugg boots, and they proceeded to a small, dirty bathroom under the building. The Crown argued that Amon had seen the teen in explicit photos, under street lights, and in the lit bathroom before the light was turned off, which should have made it obvious the youth was under 16.
Amon testified that he held an honest and reasonable belief the teen was over 16, stating, "He told me he was 17 and nothing I saw changed that belief." He admitted to meeting the teen once for sex in 2017 but denied claims of a second meeting soon after.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Arrested in August 2024, Amon faced charges including five counts of having sexual intercourse with a child, two counts of attempted sexual intercourse with a child, and indecent assault charges. Eight of these charges stemmed from the boy's allegations of a second meeting in a car park bathroom in July 2017.
Jurors were informed that the boy reported the incident to friends, his mother, a school counsellor, and his psychologist shortly after it occurred. He made a formal complaint to police five years later. In 2022, the two briefly reconnected on Grindr, where Amon sent more images, including one of him wearing his volunteer firefighters uniform.
Political Fallout and Career Implications
At the time of the initial contact in 2017, Amon was working full-time for federal Mackellar MP Jason Falinski. He later served two terms on Northern Beaches Council before being elected as the Liberal MP for the state seat of Pittwater in 2023. The charges effectively ended his fledgling political career, leading to his expulsion from the Liberal Party and resignation after his election in March 2023.
His exit had significant implications for the state Liberals, as the formerly safe seat was lost to a teal independent in the subsequent by-election. This case highlights the intersection of legal battles and political consequences in high-profile trials.
For support, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service at 1800 211 028.
