October 3, 2023
A change in the law means the Moffatdale businessman charged with 11 counts of rape can now be named in the media, although he has not yet faced trial.
Joe Prendergast – from Dusty Joe’s Pty Ltd which operates Dusty Hill Vineyard, Joe’s Grand Hotel and The Goomeri Bakery – also faces two charges of sexual assault, two charges of indecent treatment of children under the age of 16, and one charge of attempted indecent treatment of a child under 16 (procure to commit).
The charges were listed for mention in Murgon Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Prendergast was charged in June but under the existing law, he could not be named at that time.
He was released on bail on June 19.
He did not appear in court on Tuesday when the charges were mentioned again.
The matter was adjourned to November 28.
