Babysitter set to deny abuse charges

A 73-year-old Bunbury man who allegedly sexually abused five girls he was responsible for babysitting in the southern suburbs has indicated he will fight the allegations.

The man has been charged with a total of 26 counts of sexually penetrating and indecently dealing with a child under 13.

He was also charged with three counts of having a sexual relationship with a child under 16 and procuring, encouraging or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual behaviour.

Police say between 2002 and 2005, the accused sexually assaulted the five girls, who were aged between six and 11 years old at the time of the first incident.

However, in Rockingham Magistrate’s Court last Friday, the man’s lawyer indicated he would be pleading not guilty to all charges.

He will appear in court again in August.