March 25, 2025
A hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit Moffatdale businessman Joe Prendergast to face trial began this week in Kingaroy Magistrates’ Court.
The matter has been set down for four days.
Prendergast faces 16 charges: 11 counts of rape as well as two charges of sexual assault, two charges of indecent treatment of a child under the age of 16, and one charge of attempted indecent treatment of a child under 16 (procure to commit).
The case has been moving slowly towards this point since Prendergast was first charged in June 2023.
There have been many mentions in Murgon Magistrates’ Court, with disputes over evidence and delays requested.
Kingaroy magistrate Andrew Sinclair must now determine whether there is a prima facie case against Prendergast.
If he rules there is enough evidence for a jury to weigh, Prendergast would be ordered to face trial in the District Court.
However, if he decides there is insufficient evidence, Prendergast would walk free.
The Magistrates Court hearing has been closed to the media to protect the identity of the alleged victims.
