Malka Leifers second accuser giving evidence in sex abuse case
The second of three sisters who allege they were sexually abused as children by Malka Leifer is giving evidence in the court hearing that will determine whether the former school principal stands trial.
Ms Leifer, the former principal of the Adass Israel School in Elsternwick, is accused of sexually abusing three of her students from 2004 to 2008.
A court sketch of Malka Leifer this week.Credit:Paul Tyquin
The 55-year-old, who faces 74 charges including 11 of rape, maintains she is innocent and will be asked to formally enter a plea at the end of the committal hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court.
On Tuesday, Ms Leifer appeared via a video link from custody as the court was open to media and other parties for one minute, and then closed for the rest of the day while the accusers gave evidence. It is standard practice for Victorian courts to be closed while complainants give evidence in sex assault cases.
The first complainant gave evidence for all of Monday and part of Tuesday. The second accuser began her evidence on Tuesday and will continue on Wednesday. The third woman will be called next.
The complainants â€" sisters Elly Sapper, Dassi Erlich and Nicole Meyer â€" are appearing via video links with a support person in the same room.
Former principal Malka Leifer is accused of abusing three of her then students.
The sisters have been granted a court order that allows them to publicly identify themselves.
The hearing is set to run into next week before magistrate Johanna Metcalf, who must decide if there is sufficient evidence to commit Ms Leifer to stand trial in a higher court.
Ms Leifer and all Jewish witnesses have been excused from watching or giving evidence on Thursday because of the Yom Kippur holy day. The accused woman’s lawyers will continue with the case in their client’s absence.
A psychologist, two Adass teachers and a person in Israel are among the witnesses who will be called when the court opens to media and other parties.
Ms Leifer faces 74 charges comprising 11 counts of rape, 47 of indecent assault, three of sexual penetration of a child and 13 of committing an indecent act with a child.
Charge sheets allege she committed offences in Elsternwick, Elwood, Frankston and Emerald and in the regional towns of Blampied and Rawson.
Ms Leifer left Australia for Israel in 2008 when allegations against her emerged. She was charged in 2012 and extradition hearings began in 2014, but she was not extradited to Australia until the start of this year.
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Adam Cooper joined The Age in 2011 after a decade with AAP. Email or tweet Adam with your news tips.Connect via Twitter or email.
0 Response to "Malka Leifers second accuser giving evidence in sex abuse case"
Post a Comment