Warrnambool, Australia — A former recipient of the Victorian Senior of the Year award, who was widely recognized for his community contributions, has been convicted by a jury on charges of sexually abusing a teenager more than a decade ago.
Robert Charles Eccles, also known as Locky Eccles, faced allegations involving inappropriate acts with a 16-year-old boy during 2012 and 2013 at his residence in Warrnambool. The charges against Eccles included three incidents of indecent acts and one of sexual penetration, all of which he denied.
The case concluded after four days of jury deliberation in Victoria’s County Court. The verdict was returned late Thursday, convicting Eccles on the majority, but not all of the charges. He was found guilty on one count of sexual penetration and three counts of committing indecent acts with a minor.
Despite the guilty verdict on four charges, the jury acquitted Eccles of five other charges. Prosecutors had claimed that Eccles exploited the teen during supposed massage sessions at his home.
Eccles, an Indigenous elder, was recognized in 2021 with a Victorian Senior of the Year volunteer award for his leadership and involvement in local sports activities, underscoring his once-respected position in the community.
As the legal process continues, Eccles, now 72 years old, is scheduled to return to court in May, where he will face sentencing for his convictions. The case brings attention to the significant trust placed in community leaders and the impact of their actions beyond their public achievements.
Eccles’ conviction underscores ongoing societal efforts to address and mitigate instances of abuse, particularly against minors, and the ramifications such actions bear on community trust and the accused’s legacy.
As proceedings progress towards sentencing, the community and legal watchers are keenly observing how justice will be served in a case that pits serious criminal acts against a formerly esteemed community figure.
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