Roderick “Rory” Amon, a former Liberal MP for Pittwater, faces significant financial loss after being compelled to withdraw from a recently signed lease. This decision comes in light of historical child sex allegations, including the accusation that he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old boy on Sydney’s northern beaches in 2017.
During a court appearance at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court, the 35-year-old Amon maintained his not guilty plea to the charges laid against him. He sought a variation in his bail conditions to allow him to move to Potts Point, an area he believed to be more suitable, particularly since the alleged victim neither lived nor worked there. Amon’s legal representative, Clare O’Neill, defended his intentions, stating there was nothing “nefarious” about his request and acknowledged that he had prematurely signed the lease before consulting his lawyers, a situation exacerbated by Sydney’s competitive rental market.
However, the prosecution countered, noting that the complainant, now in his 20s, frequents Potts Point for work and social activities. Judge David Scully highlighted the potential risks associated with Amon’s relocation, as the alleged victim expressed that such a move would be “personally catastrophic” and raised concerns about his safety amidst ongoing stress related to the investigation.
Consequently, the judge declined Amon’s request for bail modification, citing the substantial risk of psychological distress to the complainant should they encounter each other. As a result, Amon is expected to incur thousands of dollars in losses due to breaking the lease. He has remained on bail since his arrest in August, more than seven years after the alleged incidents occurred. Amon is set to face trial on ten charges, including five counts related to sexual intercourse with minors.
Following the public revelation of the allegations, Amon resigned from the NSW Liberal Party, marking a significant fall from grace for the former politician. Support for those affected by sexual assault is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).