Rape-accused Verulam stepfather pleads not guilty
The Verulam man accused of gross sexual abuse and the rape of his stepdaughter has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The 45-year-old was arrested in June 2018 after the child - who was 11 at the time - told a neighbour she was being abused.
The girl's mother passed away several years ago.
State Prosecutor Cheryl Naidu spent Monday morning describing the abuse the child is said to have suffered - as she put each charge to the man.
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He pleaded not guilty to the 56 charges ranging from rape, sexual exploitation of a child, human trafficking and the creation of child pornography.
It's alleged the man hadn't enrolled the child in school - and instead kept her locked up at home where he abused her and forced her to cook and clean.
The trial continues.
