Full Breakdown
Trial of Former MP Rory Amon for Alleged Sexual Abuse of a Minor
2/20/2026, 8:05:01 AM
Allegations and Charges
Roderick "Rory" Amon, a former Member of the New South Wales Parliament, is currently on trial for allegedly sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy in 2017. Amon faces ten charges, including five counts of sexual intercourse with a child aged between 10 and 14, two counts of indecent assault, and two counts of attempted sexual intercourse with a child. The incidents reportedly occurred in a communal bathroom connected to a car park in a Sydney apartment complex.
The Crown prosecutor, Meaghan Fleeton, outlined that Amon met the boy through a gay dating app, where the complainant had lied about his age to create a profile. The two subsequently communicated via Snapchat before arranging to meet in person. The alleged sexual acts took place during two meetings in June and July 2017, after which the boy confided in a teacher about the incidents, leading to a police investigation.
Defense's Position
Amon's defense, led by barrister Matthew Johnston SC, contends that Amon was unaware of the boy's true age, asserting that anyone using the dating app was required to be at least 18. Johnston argued that Amon had an "honest and reasonable belief" that the complainant was at least 16 years old, which he characterized as an "innocent state of mind." The defense also disputes the number of meetings, claiming that Amon only met the boy once.
Johnston emphasized that the complainant did not provide Amon with his real age during their interactions. The defense's case hinges on these claims, as well as the assertion that the complainant had knowingly misrepresented his age when signing up for the dating app.
Key Testimonies and Evidence
During the trial, the complainant, now 22, testified about the events leading up to the alleged abuse, including the exchanges of explicit images and videos. He stated that he had joined the dating app seeking connection and attention, and that he had lied about his age due to the platform's policies against underage users. The court heard that after the incidents, the complainant blocked Amon on Snapchat and did not formally report the matter to police until he was 18 years old.
The prosecution is expected to present evidence from the complainant's teacher and psychologist, who were informed of the alleged abuse shortly after it occurred. The Crown maintains that due to the complainant's age, he could not consent to any sexual acts, emphasizing that "consent of a child is not a defense."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The trial has revealed discrepancies regarding the timeline and nature of the interactions between Amon and the complainant. While the Crown alleges two meetings took place, the defense argues that only one occurred. Additionally, the complainant's recollection of his age during their interactions is contested, with the defense asserting that he claimed to be older than he was.
What's Next
The trial is ongoing, with further testimonies and evidence expected to be presented. The outcome will hinge on the jury's assessment of the credibility of the testimonies and the evidence regarding Amon's knowledge of the complainant's age at the time of the alleged incidents.
