Full Breakdown
Rory Amon Cleared of Most Child Abuse Charges, Retrial Possible
3/9/2026, 6:35:23 AM
Jury Verdict and Charges Overview
Former New South Wales Liberal MP Rory Amon has been found not guilty of the majority of charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy. After three days of deliberation, a jury in the New South Wales Supreme Court acquitted Amon of eight counts, including four counts of sexual intercourse with a child aged 10 to 14 and two counts of attempted sexual intercourse. However, the jury was deadlocked on two additional charges: indecent assault of a person under 16 and sexual intercourse with a child aged 10 to 14, which may lead to a retrial by the New South Wales Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Background of the Case
The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred in June and July 2017, when Amon was 27 years old and the complainant was 13. The two met through a hook-up app, where the complainant allegedly misrepresented his age. Amon admitted to meeting the boy for sex once but denied a second encounter, which the complainant claimed involved further sexual acts. The prosecution argued that Amon should have recognized the complainant's age based on their interactions and the circumstances of their meetings.
Key Testimonies and Defense Arguments
The complainant testified that he initially believed he had told Amon he was 17 but later admitted to stating he was 15. He described feeling "repulsed" during the alleged second encounter and stated that he blocked Amon on Snapchat afterward. Amon's defense contended that he believed the complainant was 17 and argued that the nature of the dating app indicated that users were adults seeking sexual encounters. Amon maintained that he would have ceased communication if he had known the complainant was underage.
Implications for Amon's Career
The allegations and subsequent trial have severely impacted Amon's political career. Following his arrest in August 2024, he was expelled from the Liberal Party and resigned from his position as the MP for Pittwater, which he had won in March 2023. The seat was subsequently lost to a teal independent candidate in a byelection, reflecting the broader implications of the case for the New South Wales Liberal Party.
Official Statements & Responses
The jury's decision has elicited mixed reactions. While Amon expressed relief at the verdicts, the prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for a retrial. The Director of Public Prosecutions has yet to announce whether they will pursue the undecided charges.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Amon's defense have raised concerns about the implications of misrepresenting age on dating platforms and the responsibilities of adults in such interactions. The prosecution argued that Amon's belief about the complainant's age was not reasonable given the circumstances, while the defense highlighted the complexities of online interactions.
What's Next
Amon remains on bail as the prosecution considers whether to retry the two charges on which the jury could not reach a verdict. The case continues to draw attention to issues surrounding age consent, online dating, and the responsibilities of individuals in such contexts.
