In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves throughout the community, a monk is facing severe allegations of abusing six young girls over a span of years, beginning when they were between the ages of four and twelve. The incidents allegedly took place in various parts of his religious domain, including his living quarters within the temple, a prayer room, and during Sunday school sessions.

According to the prosecution, the accused, Vijitha, embarked on this pattern of abuse shortly after relocating from overseas to Melbourne in 1994. He had come to assume the role of head monk at the Dhamma Sarana Buddhist temple, initially located in Springvale. The alleged misconduct persisted even after the temple’s relocation to Keysborough in 2000.

Now adults, the victims courageously took the stand to provide testimony to the jury, recounting their experiences. Their family members and friends also offered their accounts, contributing to the weight of evidence against Vijitha.

Despite the gravity of these allegations, Vijitha’s defense attorney, Nick Papas KC, urged the jury to approach the case with a critical eye. He reminded them that the accusations date back 25 to 30 years, which brings into question the reliability and accuracy of such long-standing claims. Papas implored the jury to separate themselves from emotional responses and focus on the evidential basis of the charges.

Vijitha’s barrister Nick Papas KC asked the jury to set aside emotion and remember the allegations were from 25 or 30 years ago, so they must question their reliability and accuracy.

But the jurors found much of the evidence to be credible, returning guilty verdicts to 17 of the 19 charges yesterday afternoon after a week of deliberations.

They were deadlocked on a single charge of indecent act with a child aged under 16 so Judge Pardeep Tiwana advised them to continue deliberating.

They returned a majority not-guilty verdict on that remaining charge this morning.

Vijitha was also acquitted of a separate offence of indecent act with a child aged under 16.

After the jury left the room, Judge Tiwana told Papas he had believed the case against Vijitha was strong and the witnesses had been compelling.

He remanded Vijitha into custody ahead of a pre-sentence hearing in December, where a number of victim impact statements are expected to be read to the court.