The case involving the former foster father of missing toddler William Tyrrell has been complicated by the absence of direct evidence. He is currently appealing a conviction for intimidating an 11-year-old girl, an issue that arose during a heated argument while he dropped her off at school in November 2020. The man’s aggressive behaviour, including berating the girl while she cried, has been scrutinised, but Judge Sean Grant identified a significant gap in the prosecution’s case, as the girl was not asked about her feelings during the incident.
Instead, the prosecution relied on secret recordings made by police investigating William’s disappearance, which captured the man’s outbursts. In these recordings, he is heard using aggressive language, indicating frustration with the girl. His defence contends that his comments were those of an “exasperated parent” rather than intent to intimidate.
The girl later informed a teacher about the incident, expressing her distress and reluctance to return home. Despite the complexities, including over a thousand hours of recorded conversations in the couple’s residence, no charges have been laid regarding Tyrrell’s disappearance. The appeal decision for the foster father is set for February 17, while the foster mother’s case will be heard at a later date.