CANBERRA — A 27-year-old Canberra man has been found guilty of multiple child sexual offences after meeting an 11-year-old girl on the dating app Badoo and engaging in explicit conversations and sexual activity.
Shegu Bobb faced nine charges in the ACT Supreme Court relating to sexualised communications and physical contact with the underage girl, whom he met online. A jury has found him guilty of seven charges, including using a carriage service to procure a child under 16 for sex, and transmitting indecent messages and images. He was also convicted of committing an act of indecency in a car, but acquitted on a rape charge.
The court heard that although the girl listed her age as 19 on the dating app, Bobb had suspicions about her true age. During their online conversations, Bobb told the girl to “be careful of creeps and stalkers” and assured her he would look after her. When she expressed nervousness about meeting in person, Bobb replied, “This will be our secret, tell no-one.”
Bobb initially expressed concerns about being seen near the girl’s home, stating it “makes me look like I am trying to kidnap you.” Despite his reservations, the pair met and drove into bushland where the indecent act took place.
Prosecutor Marcus Dyason argued Bobb knew the girl was a child, pointing to his secrecy and online warnings to her. He told the jury that Bobb’s insistence on secrecy demonstrated awareness of the girl’s age and the illegality of his actions.
“[Bobb] knew he was trying to engage an underage child in sexual activity. That’s why he told her not to tell anyone,” Mr Dyason said.
Mr Dyason also highlighted that Bobb himself admitted people frequently lie about their age on dating apps, including Bobb’s own experiences.
The girl initially lied about what happened, telling authorities the man was a stranger. Mr Dyason suggested this was an effort to avoid getting into trouble with her mother, but said her eventual testimony was credible and consistent with “lived experience.”
Bobb’s defence lawyer, James Sabharwal, labelled the victim a liar and argued that inconsistencies in her account, including diary entries and text messages, undermined her credibility. Sabharwal stressed that Bobb did not initiate sexual discussions during the pair’s online chats, suggesting he believed the girl was an adult.
“It’s difficult to believe people who tell fibs,” Mr Sabharwal said. “She’s not only a liar, she is vindictive.”
Despite the defence arguments, the jury found Bobb guilty on most charges, concluding he knew the girl was underage.
Shegu Bobb remains on bail and will face sentencing in October.
