Couple Accused of Sexual Abuse Faces Court Delays Over Changed Plea

A case involving a couple accused of sexually abusing a neurodivergent minor has encountered delays, as one defendant seeks to change their plea. Julia Ann Bamforth, 49, and Paul Robert Bamforth, 50, had initially pleaded guilty to 146 charges stemming from the persistent abuse of a young boy in the NSW Central Coast, which allegedly involved filming the abusive acts for personal gratification.

In a recent development at the Downing Centre District Court, Paul Bamforth expressed intentions to withdraw his guilty plea, a move that was elucidated by his lawyer, Mr. Phan, who also revealed his plans to step down due to a conflict of interest. The Crown Prosecutor, Adam O’Connor, did not oppose the plea change, emphasizing the importance of proper representation in the traversal application.

Meanwhile, Julia Bamforth was formally convicted at the same hearing, with her attorney urging for a prompt sentencing to ensure her access to essential services while in custody, a request that was denied by Justice David Wilson. He argued that any sentencing should be concurrent with the resolution of Mr. Bamforth’s traversal application to conserve the court’s time.

The case has been adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for November 1 at the Gosford Local Court, where a date for the traversal application is anticipated to be assigned.