Robert Andrew McPherson, a 63-year-old Australian man accused of child sex offenses, collapsed in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday shortly after a media application to access his charge sheets was approved. McPherson, from Henty, New South Wales, faces 62 charges, including allegations of sexual abuse during a trip to Malaysia and producing and possessing child abuse material.
Police allege McPherson traveled to Kuala Lumpur late last year for a suspected sex tourism holiday, during which he sexually abused a child on multiple occasions in November and produced child abuse material. He was arrested at Melbourne Airport on November 26, allegedly in possession of abuse material, and subsequently charged by the Australian Federal Police.
Further investigation by the AFP uncovered additional alleged offenses, including engaging in sexual activity with a child overseas on at least 18 separate dates while he was in Australia, and on another date in Frankston, Melbourne. The charges also include multiple counts of transmitting and accessing child abuse material.
During the court hearing, McPherson's lawyer indicated that a significant amount of material was still under analysis and that more evidence was expected. The application by the Daily Mail for access to the charge sheets was granted without opposition.
Immediately following the approval of the media application, McPherson collapsed in the courtroom, reportedly clutching his chest. Paramedics were summoned, and he was transported from the court on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. It is understood he suffered a panic attack. His bail was extended by the magistrate, and the matter was adjourned to a later date.