Sex predator admits impregnating victims

SYDNEY - A sex predator in Australia has admitted abusing 18 children over a 25-year period, including a mentally-challenged seven-year-old girl who he later impregnated.

Dennis Alfred Goudge, 57, formerly of Bendigo city in Victoria, pleaded guilty to 58 sex charges including one count of rape and 28 of indecent assault, The Age reported Monday.

A Victoria county court heard Monday that Goudge committed sexual offences against 18 victims, who were aged between three and 16.

Crown prosecutor Kieran Gilligan said that many of the children had “continued and frequent exposure” to Goudge and many of the offences were committed in a backyard shed on his family farm, 30 km north of Bendigo.

The offences began when Goudge was 17, the court was told.

Gilligan said two of Goudge’s victims — including a 14-year-old girl — bore him children. “Over a 25-year period of his offending, Goudge continually placed himself in a position of trust with people who had children,” he said.

“He was able to lure the children away from their parents under guises such as listening to music, playing common children’s games, photographic portraiture of children, or providing singing, music or driving lessons.”

The plea hearing, before Judge James Montgomery, has been adjourned until next month for more forensic reports.