NSW Police have launched a dedicated task force to investigate allegations of historical sexual abuse connected to Byron Bay’s music scene in the early 2000s.
The development follows an ABC investigation into allegations of grooming, rape and sexual assault involving young girls in Byron Bay when the town’s hardcore music scene was emerging. More than 40 people have since spoken to the broadcaster about what they allegedly experienced or witnessed during that period.
Some women have alleged they were raped or sexually assaulted when they were as young as 12, while others described a culture in which relationships between teenage girls and older boys or adult men had become normalised.
The investigation comes after Jed Gordon, the former merchandise manager for Byron Bay metalcore band Parkway Drive and brother of drummer Ben Gordon, pleaded guilty earlier this year to having sexual intercourse with a minor. Gordon, now 45, was in his early 20s when the offences occurred between 2002 and 2003. His victim, Rachel Kila, was 15 at the time. She revealed her identity in June.
In court documents obtained by Rolling Stone AU/NZ earlier this year, it was revealed that Gordon was convicted and sentenced to a three-year Community Correction Order, through to May 27th, 2029. He was subject to supervision by a Community Corrections Officer at Lismore Community Corrections District Office and ordered to undertake 300 hours of community service work.
Gordon had toured extensively with Parkway Drive and was at one point described as the band’s “sixth member”. The ABC reported the current police investigation extends beyond him. His lawyer has previously denied additional allegations made against him.
Parkway Drive also previously confirmed Gordon was “no longer involved with Parkway Drive in any capacity”. In March, frontman Winston McCall addressed Gordon’s guilty plea in a video posted to Instagram, saying the band had been blindsided, and he condemned his conduct. The video has since been removed from the band’s main Instagram grid.
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Per ABC, the investigation has escalated to the NSW Sex Crimes Squad, meaning specialist resources have been allocated by the task force. The investigation remains ongoing.
