Former cricketer Ian Harold King has pleaded guilty to more child sex offences. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses child abuse.
A notorious child sex offender admitted sexually abusing three more boys around the start of the 2000s when he confessed to new charges.
Ian Harold King has already been handed several prison sentences for abusing 11 boys or teenagers while working as a cricket coach, with the most recent of these sentences being from just last year.
But the 80-year-old appeared over audio-visual link in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday (22 June), where he announced “guilty” to five fresh charges.
Dressed in grey, he appeared from prison and closed his eyes at times during the hearing.
He admitted sexually abusing three boys between 1997 and 2003 while they were under his special care.
He also admitted raping and sexually assaulting one of these boys in the early 2000s.
Ian King during his time as a coach of the ACT U17 cricket team in 1992. Photo: Supplied.
This means he has committed sexual offences against 14 boys or teenagers.
After he entered his pleas, the prosecutor withdrew 10 other charges.
His lawyer, Sam Lynch from the Aboriginal Legal Service, said he needed to be committed to the Supreme Court.
Magistrate Glenn Theakston withdrew the 10 charges, committed him to the higher court for sentence on the others and remanded him in custody.
He will first appear in the higher court to begin organising a sentencing date on 27 June.
King had pleaded guilty to three counts of being in a relationship with a young person under special which involved more than one sex act, as well as single counts of sexual intercourse without consent and committing an act of indecency without consent.
A renowned fast bowler, he played Sheffield Shield cricket for Queensland. He had also worked as a first-grade and club coach for Ginninderra Cricket Club and a selector for the ACT Comets.
He has been assaulted in jail in the past.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
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