Acquitted Footballer: Justice Delayed

0:00It's April 20th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Sydney News today, your AI-powered local news. Former Australian rules footballer Barry Cable, now 82 years old, just got acquitted on his stored child sex abuse charges from the 19-60s. He faced seven counts including indecent dealing and unlawful carnal knowledge with a girl under 13 between 1966 and 1969. This happened in Perth's district court. The judge, Michael Bowden, said he believed the main alleged victim was probably telling the truth and that Cable had that kind of tendency, but the long delay in reporting created big forensic problems for the defense, with no independent evidence to back it up. So, the judge couldn't prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and delivered a not guilty verdict on Monday. Family members, like Cable's son Shane, expressed relief outside court, calling a closure so his parents can live their final years with dignity. They highlighted Barry's football legacy and community work.

1:01Meanwhile, the alleged victim and other women who gave supporting testimony felt let down, saying the system failed survivors and that they're no. Longer silenced. Earlier context shows a civil case in 2023, where Cable was found liable for abusing a 12-year-old girl over five years starting in. 1968. She won over $818,700 in damages, but Cable declared bankruptcy first and has unpaid. Cable's storied career in the WAFL and VFL ended with him losing his Australian football hall of fame spot after these revelations. The criminal, when, gives him some vindication, but the civil ruling and public fallout linger as a stark reminder of accountability gaps in old cases.