Former NSW MP Rory Amon faces trial over allegations he abused 13-year-old in car park bathroom
The Guardian World
by Australian Associated PressFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A former New South Wales Member of Parliament, Rory Amon, has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy in a car park bathroom in 2017. The defense claims that Amon did not know the victim’s age at the time of their encounters, which began through communication on a gay dating app and later via Snapchat before meeting at the boy’s family home in Sydney’s northern beaches.
The case has sparked significant attention due to Amon’s political background and the serious nature of the allegations. The prosecution asserts that Amon engaged in inappropriate interactions with the minor, including discussions about sexual content on apps like Grindr and Feeld, which are often used for adult dating. The defense, however, maintains that Amon was unaware of the boy’s age, raising questions about how such a meeting could occur and whether there were opportunities to verify the victim’s age.
This trial highlights broader concerns about online interactions between adults and minors, particularly in the context of dating apps and social media. Legal experts are watching the case closely to understand how such defenses will be addressed in court and what it means for future cases involving similar circumstances. The outcome could set a precedent for how age verification is handled in digital communication platforms, potentially influencing policies around online safety and consent.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026