By Rebecca Peppiatt and Ezra Holt
The Australian indoor women’s hockey coach has been banned from coaching as part of her bail conditions in relation to allegations that she indecently dealt with and sexually assaulted a child.
Lauren Austin, 39, appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Friday over charges police laid in March.
Lauren Austin, 39, has been charged with sexual assault of a child.Credit: Hockey Australia
Austin represented Australia as both a player and coach, a role she was appointed to in January.
The charges include indecently dealing with a child over 16 under care/authority, sexual penetration of a child over 16 under their authority, and sexual penetration without consent.
On Friday the court heard the charges all related to one victim.
Austin was granted bail under the condition she not engage with community activity involving supervising children, including as a sports coach at any level.
“The alleged offences occurred on several different dates, at locations in the Perth metropolitan area, including when the female victim was both an adult and a juvenile,” a WA police spokesman said.
“At the time of the alleged offences the woman held a coaching position with a national sporting team.”
Hockey Australia released a statement saying that it was aware that a matter had been reported to the authorities and was currently subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
“We have fully cooperated with the relevant authorities and have taken appropriate steps to mitigate any risk to our participants,” the statement said.
“To protect the integrity of the process and the interests of all parties, no further information will be provided at this time.”
Austin will be back before the courts on October 4.
Read more
‘Makes no sense’: Zempilas on decision not to extend city trading hours