A woman who appeared on a well-known Canal Siete television program will be tried after being accused of crimes of child abuse, rape and assault.
The identity of Channel Seven and his partner, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged in 2023 and appeared in Richlands Magistrates Court, south-west of Brisbane, on Wednesday.
Magistrate Stuart Shearer dismissed more than 50 of a total of 70 offenses covering a period from 2005 to 2023, saying the evidence was “weak”.
He ordered that the woman be tried for 12 crimes, including one count of rape, unlawful assault and indecent treatment, according to reports The Sydney Morning Herald.
The woman, who was supported by friends and family in court, responded “No, your honor” and wiped away tears when asked if she had anything to say.
She will appear in the Brisbane District Court at a later date.
Magistrate Shearer found there was enough evidence for a further 12 lesser charges against the woman to be heard at Richlands Magistrates Court, including common assault and observation in breach of privacy.
The woman’s partner will appear before the same court on April 30 for 11 offences.
The couple appeared on a prominent Channel Seven TV show with the charges dating back more than two decades (file image)
The pair were first charged in 2023 with more than 70 crimes allegedly committed at various locations in Queensland, but many have been dropped.
Two charges of torture against the man were dropped in November, with prosecutors admitting there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
Magistrate Shearer previously criticized the police prosecutor’s handling of the case as he dismissed some charges and said he would not amend them to “fix his case”.
He told the court he would not hear cases coming before Richlands Magistrates Court because he had already formed an opinion “as to the reliability and credibility of the witnesses”.
The couple declined to comment to media outside court.