Robert Eccles, a 72-year-old former Indigenous elder and recipient of the Victorian Senior of the Year award, has been sentenced to prison for serious child abuse offences against a young male he previously mentored as a football umpire. In April, a jury found Eccles guilty on four counts, including committing an indecent act on a child under 16 and sexual penetration of a 16- or 17-year-old in his care. However, he was acquitted of an additional four sexual penetration charges and one indecent act charge.
The court heard that Eccles had been involved in mentoring the victim, who was just 15 years old when he began administering full body massages at his home. Eccles, then 59, told the young umpire that these massages were beneficial for his sporting performance. However, as the boy turned 16, the nature of the massages shifted to sexual conduct.
During his sentencing at the Melbourne County Court, Eccles appeared with the support of four women. Judge Amanda Chambers described his actions as a severe breach of trust, particularly given his role as a mentor. She highlighted the egregious nature of his offences, asserting that it was illogical to argue he did not fully comprehend the wrongfulness of his actions.
Eccles, who had been serving as an elder at Koori court hearings since 2016 until his recent charges in 2023, was noted for his contributions to local sports, even receiving the Victorian Senior of the Year volunteer award in 2021. However, Judge Chambers revealed that Victoria’s Minister for Ageing, Ingrid Stitt, had formally requested Eccles to return his award following his conviction.
Despite his sentencing to a maximum of four years and eight months in prison, Eccles maintains his innocence and must serve a minimum of two years and 11 months before becoming eligible for parole—having already completed 67 days of his sentence.