Former Albany Aboriginal youth leader Damien John Yarran gets intensive supervision order for indecent assault

Former Aboriginal youth leader Damien John Yarran has been placed on a 12-month intensive supervision order after indecently assaulting one of his Baldjamaar Foundation employees last year. Yarran, 46, was sentenced in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being found guilty of two counts of indecent assault on May 3. Yarran is best known through his work as chief executive of Albany-based Aboriginal not-for-profit organisation, Baldjamaar Foundation. The foundation has been embroiled in controversy in recent months, with a Federal body withdrawing its funding after a compliance review substantiated allegations of improper use of grant funds and poor service delivery. During Yarran’s trial on May 3, Magistrate Kevin Tavener told the court the assaults occurred at the victim’s home on December 1. Yarran contacted the victim, who was working from home, to ask if he could “drop by” to discuss a work-related matter. The victim invited Yarran inside, where he asked for a tour of the house before making a comment in her bedroom which made her feel uncomfortable. After leaving the bedroom, Yarran moved behind the victim, made a vulgar comment and put his hand under her skirt. Despite her protests, he continued his advances, trying to kiss her neck, pulling her legs apart and groping her. He started grinding his body on the victim before she managed to roll out from under him and told him to leave. After Yarran left, the victim was sobbing and told her former boyfriend in a text message Yarran’s visit had left her “shaking”. Police prosecutor Sgt Dave Loverock argued the charges warranted a term of imprisonment given Yarran was in a “position of authority” over the victim.