Wanted for questioning ... Robert Hughes prepares to board his flight in London on Tuesday. Photo: AAP
Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes will plead not guilty when he fronts a Sydney court over allegations of multiple child sex offences, his lawyer says.
The 64-year-old landed at Sydney Airport just before 7.30am on Thursday morning, flanked by NSW Police officers who had escorted him on Qantas flight QF2 from Heathrow.
He was taken to Sydney Police Centre from the airport.
The former prime-time TV star consented to an order sought by the attorney-general, Nicola Roxon, that he return to Sydney for questioning in relation to allegations that he assaulted five children between 1985 and 1990 while staring on the popular family television sitcom.
He has not been charged and his lawyer has indicated he intends to defend the allegations.
A warrant outlines 11 accusations made by people who were aged seven to 15 years at the time of the alleged abuse, which coincided with the actor's starring role in Hey Dad!
His lawyer, Greg Walsh, says he expects Hughes to be charged over 11 offences alleged to have occurred between 1984 and 1990.
He will then face court to defend the charges.
‘‘He’ll be pleading not guilty when he goes to court,’’ Mr Walsh said at the Sydney Police Centre.
Alleged victims include the daughter of family friends and friends of Hughes's daughter, a London court was told during extradition proceedings.
Claims against Hughes were first made public in 2010. He was living in London with his wife when arrested in August 2012 by police seeking his extradition.
Hughes has been on bail since his arrest.
He played the central character Martin Kelly in the hit TV series.
with AAP
No comments:
Post a Comment