AFL great Carl Ditterich charged with child sex offences

Carl Ditterich, a former Australian Rules Football (AFL) player and coach, was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault against a child under the age of 16 in May 2021. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred in 1985.

Ditterich, who is now 62 years old, played for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) from 1980 to 1986. He made a total of 72 appearances for the club and was a key forward in their premiership team in 1983. After retiring as a player, he went on to coach various football teams at the junior and senior levels.

The charges against Ditterich were brought forward following an investigation by Victoria Police's Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOTAT). The alleged victim came forward and reported the incident to police in 2020. The charges include indecent assault and sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16.

Ditterich was arrested and charged on May 26, 2021, and was granted bail with strict conditions. He is required to report to police weekly and is not allowed to have any contact with the alleged victim or any children under the age of 16.

The AFL released a statement expressing their concern for the welfare of the victim and their support for the legal process. North Melbourne Football Club also released a statement expressing their shock and disappointment at the allegations and their commitment to cooperating fully with the police investigation.

Ditterich is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on June 23, 2021, for a filing hearing. The maximum penalty for indecent assault is two years' imprisonment, while the maximum penalty for sexual penetration of a child under 16 is life imprisonment.

It is important to note that all allegations of sexual assault and child abuse are taken seriously and that anyone who has experienced such incidents is encouraged to report them to the police or other appropriate authorities. The support and resources are available for those affected by sexual assault and child abuse.