Joshua Eades child abuse trial closes, jury to decide verdict
Joshua Eades, 30, awaits a jury verdict on charges he sexually abused an under-age girl six times in Ballarat in 2024.
Joshua Eades faced the County Court of Victoria on October 23 for the fifth and final day of his trial. Joshua Eades denies 10 child sexual offence charges.
The prosecution alleges he molested an under-age girl six times between 2024 in Ballarat, each incident lasting about 30 to 60 minutes. Closing addresses were delivered on Friday.
The prosecution argued the girl was a credible witness who had reported the abuse to others and shown clear distress. The defence argued she was troubled and affected by online content when she made the allegations.
Eades repeatedly denied all charges from the witness box. Judge Frank Gucciardo began jury directions on Friday.
- 10 child sexual offence charges
- Charges filed
- Ballarat
- Location
- October 23, 2026
- Trial date
Why it mattersA jury is now weighing evidence in a serious criminal trial that will determine whether a man is guilty of repeated child sexual abuse.
AustraliaThe verdict will affect a Ballarat community and the family and witness involved in the case.
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