A former physical education teacher facing trial for historical sex offences against two schoolgirls in the 1980s saw his case delayed by over a year after a barrister highlighted his extensive online criminal history. Court documents reveal the accused, already serving a lengthy prison sentence for abusing his daughter, was charged with five counts of indecent assault and sexual penetration involving minors under 16. The revelation comes amid scrutiny of how media coverage—including a podcast—may have influenced legal proceedings. Legal experts are now examining the implications of pre-trial publicity on fair trial rights.
Exclusive: As William ‘Rob’ Gilfillan was about to go on trial for sex offences against two schoolgirls, his barrister told a judge his client’s history was easily discoverable onlineSign up for Guardian Australia’s free weekly media newsletter hereThe Australian’s podcast Shadow of Doubt led to a delay of 10 months for the sex offence trial of a “sadistic” paedophile already serving a 48-year jail term for abusing his daughter, court documents have revealed.William “Rob” Gilfillan, a former physical education teacher, was to stand trial in Victoria in February last year on five counts of indecent assault and sexual penetration of a person under 16, relating to two schoolgirls in his care in Gippsland in the 1980s. Continue reading...
