Son of alleged paedophile speaks out

The headlines dubbed his father the ‘worst paedophile to date’.

And with the dirty laundry and gruesome details aired in the media nationwide, Roland* said he has nothing left to lose by telling his side of the story.

In some ways, Roland is standing trial for the crimes of the man who raised him.

Since the news broke following his father’s arrest on suspicion of child abuse, Roland has borne the embarrassment and become a social pariah.

Now his life is under threat.

“I have been stopped four times. The most recent incident was when four men jumped out of a white BMW and wanted to know who the owner of the vehicle was.”

Claiming media reports had blown the situation out of proportion, Roland disputed the allegations his father’s habits had affected about 40 children from the Newcastle area.

However, he did not confirm or deny his father’s guilt.

“The information in the media also disadvantaged family and relatives, and my father has been made to look worse.”

Roland explained when he was a youngster, his father was arrested on similar charges; he only realised the full implications once he discovered a prescription for medication that suppressed sexual drive.

“When he was arrested, I felt like I had been left in the dark. I can’t tolerate what he has done, because I have my own family and livelihood to consider.”

Roland confronted his father after the arrest and asked if he had touched any children, as the allegations suggested.

His father initially denied wrongdoing.

Roland’s father later admitted the child had touched him ‘of his own free will’, a gruesome revelation the family still struggles to accept.

“I fear for my own children coming into this world. My girlfriend is pregnant and is due in about four months.”

The case has also halted Roland’s career, the horrific details resulting in threats of violence from colleagues and the community.

Roland fears a mob mentality could cause his family harm.

“In the township areas, one bad word can create an angry mob. If I was shot in the head coming home from work, the killers could escape long before the police arrived.”

Roland believes his father’s mental health should be called into question during court proceedings, so he can receive the medical help he needs.

“Why does the Government still exist if not for justice?”

Roland said his father had to move out of his home because the landlord did not want to house a ‘criminal’, and had become depressed since his name was made public knowledge nationally.

Roland also removed himself from social media to avoid the personal attacks.

“I heard how my father will ‘get bashed up’ – the comments hurt and I’ve just had enough.”

Roland fears people will assume he will follow in his father’s footsteps.

However, he reminisced on a childhood where there was no indication of his father’s indiscretions, but rather encouragement to build a future.

“My dad helped me to learn because I was slow at school. He gave me five instructions – finish school, get a learner’s, get a licence, earn a qualification and get a job. My reward was my first car.”

Roland said it was a life to be proud of.

Through the trials of the past few months, Roland’s pet dog Bruno helped him through what seemed like a never-ending nightmare.

“I feel like I have lost my dignity. I have nothing left to lose.”