AFL legend Barry Cable accused of historical sexual abuse
AFL great Barry Cable is being sued over allegations that he sexually abused a Perth teenager at the height of his playing career.
Until now, his identity had been concealed by order of the District Court of Western Australia.
Cable denies all allegations and is not facing criminal charges.
In court documents, the woman who cannot be named claims she was sexually abused by Cable, starting in 1968 when she was 12 years old, and continuing until 1973. She is seeking damages, claiming she suffered psychiatric harm as a result of the harassment.
The woman said Mr. Cable once told her “he would teach her about the facts of life and the birds and the bees” so “she would be a big hit with men.” She claims Cable had also threatened to sexually abuse her sister if she did not comply with his demands.
The judge, Mark Herron said Cable would not take part in the upcoming five-day trial and is not represented by a lawyer.
Cable has also filed a defence in which he states he had a “consensual sexual relationship” with the woman around 1983.
The court was informed that Cable had been declared bankrupt, so no funds are available if there are any costs.
Barry Cable is considered to be one of the greatest Australian footballers of all time. He was inducted into the Australia Football Hall of Fame and was elevated to “Legend” status in 2012.
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