Charges Dismissed Against AFL Hall of Famer Carl Ditterich
Prosecutors Drop Historical Sex Abuse Charges Due to Lack of Conviction Prospects
Historic sex abuse charges against Carl Ditterich, a revered figure in Australian Football, have been formally dropped.
The Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions announced on Friday that the charges were dismissed due to insufficient prospects for a conviction.
The decision followed a thorough evaluation of the available evidence.
Ditterich, 79, had faced allegations of sexually abusing a girl under 16 years of age on August 27, 1985. The alleged incident was said to have occurred in a parked car in Moorabbin, Australia, after purchasing alcohol.
The charges, which included three counts of indecent assault and one of gross indecency, were filed in April 2024. Ditterich, who denied all allegations, had been preparing for trial in the County Court.
A notable figure in the Australian Football League (AFL), Ditterich played a total of 285 games across his career with St Kilda and Melbourne.
Known for his aggressive playing style, Ditterich holds a record for being one of the most reported players, appearing before the league tribunal on 19 occasions and serving 30 match suspensions.
Notably, he missed out on playing during St Kilda’s only premiership victory in 1966 due to a suspension.
Ditterich's contributions to the sport were recognized through his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2004, and his inclusion in St Kilda's team of the century.
The decision to drop charges concludes a significant chapter in the life of the former player, highlighted by his extensive and decorated football career.
The Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions announced on Friday that the charges were dismissed due to insufficient prospects for a conviction.
The decision followed a thorough evaluation of the available evidence.
Ditterich, 79, had faced allegations of sexually abusing a girl under 16 years of age on August 27, 1985. The alleged incident was said to have occurred in a parked car in Moorabbin, Australia, after purchasing alcohol.
The charges, which included three counts of indecent assault and one of gross indecency, were filed in April 2024. Ditterich, who denied all allegations, had been preparing for trial in the County Court.
A notable figure in the Australian Football League (AFL), Ditterich played a total of 285 games across his career with St Kilda and Melbourne.
Known for his aggressive playing style, Ditterich holds a record for being one of the most reported players, appearing before the league tribunal on 19 occasions and serving 30 match suspensions.
Notably, he missed out on playing during St Kilda’s only premiership victory in 1966 due to a suspension.
Ditterich's contributions to the sport were recognized through his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2004, and his inclusion in St Kilda's team of the century.
The decision to drop charges concludes a significant chapter in the life of the former player, highlighted by his extensive and decorated football career.
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