Rinat Ravkatovich Sabitov, 64, was granted bail on Thursday. Photo: Albert McKnight.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged child abuse.
An ice skating coach has been handed 10 charges alleging he sexually or indecently assaulted an underage teenager around 10 years ago.
Police allege Rinat Ravkatovich Sabitov used his role as an established ice skating coach in Canberra to gain access to the teen.
He is alleged to have repeatedly indecently or sexually assaulted them when they were aged between 14 and 15.
Mr Sabitov was arrested after police raided his home in Calwell on Wednesday (27 November).
He then faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday (28 November) where he was formally charged with three counts of sexual intercourse with a young person and seven counts of committing an act of indecency on a young person.
Rinat Ravkatovich Sabitov did not enter any pleas to his charges on Thursday. Photo: Albert McKnight.
The now-64-year-old said, “Yes, I do”, when Magistrate Robert Cook asked if he understood the charges.
Mr Sabitov applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecutor on conditions, but when his defence lawyer applied for a suppression order over his name, this was opposed.
Magistrate Cook ultimately refused the application to suppress his name.
During the following discussion, the court heard that when he was being arrested, he allegedly asked police what would happen if other ex-skating students of his came forward.
Bail was granted and the matter was adjourned to 13 January 2025. No pleas were entered.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, the Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
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