Former state MP Rory Amon is set to stand trial again for child abuse allegations, continuing to assert his innocence regarding the sexual assault of a 13-year-old boy in a communal toilet. Amon, 36, claims that he believed the boy was of legal age when they arranged to meet at the young man’s apartment complex in 2017.
While Amon has confessed to engaging in sexual activity with the teenager in the car park toilet, he maintains that he had a reasonable belief that the boy was over 16 at the time. The two had initially connected through an adults-only website.
In a previous trial held at the NSW Supreme Court, the jury was discharged after failing to reach a verdict on the separate charges of indecent assault and child rape against Amon. He once again pleaded not guilty to these allegations during his recent arraignment. A retrial is scheduled to take place over two weeks, commencing on November 9.
In March, Amon was acquitted of four counts of child rape, as well as two counts each of attempted child rape and indecent assault related to an alleged second interaction with the teenager, which he denies took place. At the time of the incidents, he was a 27-year-old aspiring politician. Amon had previously served two terms on the Northern Beaches Council before being elected to represent the Liberal Party in the Pittwater state seat in March 2023.
However, the serious charges against him severely hindered his political aspirations, resulting in his expulsion from the Liberal Party and resignation shortly after his election. His resignation had significant repercussions for the state Liberals, who lost what was considered a safe seat to a teal independent candidate in the subsequent by-election.
The unfolding legal proceedings and their implications continue to draw attention as Amon prepares to face a jury once again.