ABC News
September 18, 2007
http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/18/2036648.htm
A court has heard that a former Adelaide children's television and theatre identity sexually abused a boy in the 1970s.
Ric Marshall, 78, is alleged to have abused the boy over four years as he won the trust of the victim's unsuspecting family.
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| The District Court is hearing child sexual abuse allegations against a former TV host in Adelaide. Photo by Gary Rivett |
Marshall was directing a production of Hansel and Gretel when he allegedly began sexually abusing the 11-year-old actor.
He allegedly bought the boy expensive gifts and convinced the parents to let the boy stay at his house.
The District Court in Adelaide heard that one of the incidents was in a locked vault at the former studios of Channel 7, where Marshall worked as a TV host.
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Marshall has not been in court.
He has been declared unfit because of dementia and Parkinson's disease.
His lawyers have repeatedly tried to have the charges permanently stayed.
Judge Dean Clayton must decide whether the case has been proved.
It could mean that Marshall will remain under aged care but not be sent to prison.
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