Albany community leader Damien John Yarran pleads not guilty to indecent assault allegations

Albany community leader Damien John Yarran has denied indecent assault allegations and will take the matters to trial. Mr Yarran, 45, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday, pleading not guilty to two charges of unlawful indecent assault. Police prosecutor Sergeant Alan Dean told the court the two alleged assaults occurred on December 1 in Milpara. A trial date has been set for April 27. Sgt Dean said three civilian witnesses and four police officers would give evidence for the prosecution case in the trial. The court would also be shown a 45-minute police interview, Sgt Dean said. Mr Yarran is best known through his work as chief executive of Indigenous not-for-profit organisation Baldjamaar Foundation. In March last year, Mr Yarran was honoured by WA Police for a decade of service as a senior Aboriginal police liaison officer. He ran for a seat on the City of Albany council at last year’s local government elections. Baldjamaar Foundation was established in 2016 to “support children, youth and families through their journey through education”, according to its website. The foundation’s website and Facebook page have been taken down.