Disney cross-examined

Under cross examination in a Ballarat court today, Gavan Disney has denied sexually assaulting a junior colleague almost 30 years ago, says news.com.au.

Disney, co-creator of Hey Hey its Saturday, has pleaded not guilty to 10 indecent assault charges and two counts of rape over the alleged incidents.

“I’m telling the truth and (he) was not a quiet retiring type at all,” Disney told the court.

Prosecutor Kieran Gilligan suggested that while the teenager may have been confident in his job, he may not have been confident about his sexuality and Mr Disney took advantage of this.

“That’s not true,” he replied.

Disney denied the allegations and denied any sexual interest in the alleged victim.

He also denied showing favouritism towards the teenager during the 1980s. He told the court told the alleged victim was a “very good” worker, but denied showing favouritism towards him.

“He was eager, he was keen,” he said.

The jury had heard the teenager confronted Disney about his behaviour in 1994 when both were working in Melbourne.

But Disney said the complainant contacted him because he wanted a job.

On Friday, Judge Paul Lacava directed the jury in the case against Gavan Disney to make a finding of not guilty on three indecent assault counts because of insufficient evidence. But Disney still faces another 10 counts of indecent assault and two of rape.

The trial is continuing.