Cooper Mitchell Bamberry appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today for a committal hearing regarding 129 charges filed against him in March and May 2025, when he was 22 years old. The accused, a resident of Helensvale, is the son of Queensland magistrate Mark Bamberry.
During the hearing, defence attorney Adam Guest agreed to proceed to trial following the cross-examination of one witness. The charges Bamberry faces are serious and include one count of rape, two counts of engaging in intercourse with a child, 53 counts of indecent treatment of a child, and 45 counts related to using the internet for child procurement. Additionally, he is accused of possessing and distributing child exploitation material and involving a child in the creation of such material.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Stephen Courtney asked Bamberry, who was dressed in a black suit and red tie, if he had any comments regarding the charges or if he wished to enter a plea. Bamberry responded politely, “No thank you, Your Honour.” The prosecution, led by police prosecutor Qi Wang, submitted numerous police and witness statements to the court.
Magistrate Courtney informed Bamberry that his lawyer had consented to his commitment to trial without the necessity of reviewing the witness statements. To protect the privacy of a particular witness, the court closed for 25 minutes, during which a woman participated via videolink from a separate location. Notably, this witness was not a minor involved in the alleged offences.
The proceedings will continue in Queensland’s District Court, although a trial date has yet to be set. Bamberry remains in custody as he has not been granted bail.
Support services are available for those affected by sexual assault, domestic and family violence through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Individuals in need of support can also reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue, and in emergencies, contact Triple Zero (000).