Gillian Mary Woodyard faces court over alleged historical child sex offences at home daycare centre in Yakamia

A Great Southern woman has indicated she will fight historical child sex offence charges allegedly committed while she ran a family daycare centre from her home in the 1990s. Gillian Mary Woodyard, 61, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with one count each of sexually penetrating a child under 13, indecent dealing with a child under 13, and procuring, encouraging or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual behaviour. Ms Woodyard is an avid lawn bowls player and has held a leadership position in her local league. It was the 61-year-old’s first hearing since she was charged by sex assault squad detectives with the historical child abuse offences allegedly committed between 1995 and 1996 in Yakamia. Police allege Ms Woodyard, who was in her 30s at the time, committed three sexual offences against a boy who was aged four or five. Ms Woodyard’s lawyer Bruno Illari indicated in court that his client intends to plead not guilty to the charges. Her bail was extended, and she will appear on August 29 for committal mention in Albany Magistrates Court. Any victim of sexual abuse or anyone that has information about someone being sexually abused is asked to contact police on 131 444, or report the information via the Safe2Say online reporting platform. If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.