A father of confessed paedophile Maurice Van Ryn’s victims said they are saddened, yet not surprised further alleged victims have come forward.
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The father said the news Van Ryn will face court this month accused of further child sex offences “feels like the injury has been scratched open again”.
These latest charges have blind-sided us all, and we do wonder if there could perhaps be better processes put in place to give victims a ‘heads up’ in circumstances such as these.
- Father of confessed paedophile Maurice Van Ryn's victims
”Of course, we understand these latest charges have to go through the processes of the court and therefore cannot speak about any of the specifics of these latest matters,” the father said.
“We do however stand in full support of the individuals who have had the courage to go to the police and make a report. We hope that the efforts of our children in originally exposing Van Ryn give these people strength through what will be a challenging ordeal for them.”
The family first heard of the fresh charges via the media, and said better communication channels should be created between the courts and victims.
“Whilst understanding the need for delicacy and confidentiality in these types of crimes we still feel there could be far better communication with the victims of Van Ryn’s crimes,” they said.
“Throughout our own court ordeal we often spoke about how often we, the families, were often not communicated with and sometimes treated as if we were the problem rather than the victims.
“These latest charges have blind-sided us all, and we do wonder if there could perhaps be better processes put in place to give victims a ‘heads up’ in circumstances such as these.”
The father said the news will “again open up the issue” for the victims.
“We now have to be extra vigilant of their mental health. The damage caused by Van Ryn to his victims and our community is ongoing and can never be understated,” he said.
Van Ryn, who is currently serving a jail term of 13 years and four months for abusing nine children, is listed to face Bega Local Court on October 23.
He has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a person aged between 14 and 16, two counts of sexual intercourse without consent, and one count of indecent assault of a person under the age of 16. It is believed the alleged offences took place between 2010 and 2011.
In September 2015, Van Ryn pleaded guilty to abusing nine children between 2003 and 2014, and will remain behind bars until at least April 9, 2028.
Aggravated sexual intercourse with child of or above the age of 14 and below 16 carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in NSW.
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