The identities of four people charged over alleged child sexual abuse at a regional NSW circus school have been revealed, after a suppression order on their names was lifted yesterday afternoon.
Therese Cook, 58, Paul Cook, 52, Yyani Cook Williams, 29, and Clarissa Meredith, 23, are four of seven people charged over the alleged abuse of three boys between 2014 and 2016.
All four are related. Theresa and Paul Cook are siblings. Yyani Cook-Williams is Theresa’s biological daughter, and Clarissa Meredith is Theresa’s daughter by adoption.
A further three people have been charged, but cannot be identified for legal reasons.
In total, 127 charges have been laid against the group.
Court documents reveal NSW Police will allege that Therese Cook and Yyani Cook-Williams raped two boys, aged four and seven, on ANZAC Day 2016. Cook Williams has been further accused of forcing the two boys to have sex with each other.
Paul Cook is not accused of sexually abuse, but stands charged with being in the presence of his sister while she allegedly had sex with one of the boys. He also faces charges in relation to filming alleged abuse against one of the boys.
Police will also allege that blood was drawn from the boys and that they were forced to drink it as part of so-called “blood rituals.”
Those four accused intend to plead not guilty to the charges.
If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, give the people over at 1800 RESPECT a call on 1800 737 732.
