Former Geraldton PCYC boxing coach Justin Crudeli charged with two counts of raping 16-year-old girl

A children’s boxing coach once entrusted to “reduce anti-social behaviour” in youngsters has been charged with the rape of a teenage girl. Justin James Crudeli — who formerly ran the Geraldton PCYC Boxing Club — will face Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on August 20 on two counts of aggravated sexual penetration without consent over his alleged attack on a 16-year-old. WA PCYC today confirmed the 36-year-old Rangeway man was stood down from his role as boxing instructor after police charged him earlier this month. The West Australian was told Mr Crudeli’s alleged teenage victim was known to him. It is understood she reported the alleged offences to police several weeks ago, sparking a month-long investigation. Detective said the alleged offences did not occur at the Geraldton PCYC centre and were not related to Mr Crudeli’s work there. In a statement , WA PCYC chief executive David Van Ooran said “the safety and well-being of everyone involved with our PCYC centres across WA is our utmost priority”. “All appropriate actions have been taken regarding this matter,” Mr Van Ooran said. Mr Crudeli is a former Golden Gloves national amateur title winner who also won State titles during his career. He also previously represented the Geraldton PCYC Boxing Club at competitions in Perth. Mr Crudeli was also successful as a player and coach in the Great Northern Football League, and was named the league’s league’s best player in 2012. In an interview last year, Mr Crudeli described himself as “the sort of fella people love or hate”. “(I) only wish those who hate me would get to know me rather than always believing what they hear,” he said. Two years ago, Mr Crudeli was described as “using boxing as a way to manage anger issues and reduce anti-social behaviour” by Geraldton PCYC centre manager Talya Quinn. The West Australian made several attempts to speak to Mr Crudeli but was unable to contact him. If you are or have been a victim of sexual abuse or if you have information about someone being abused, please contact police on 131 444.