The former coach was arrested on Friday and charged with committing further acts of indecent treatment of children aged between 11 and 15.
The former coach was arrested on Friday and charged with committing further acts of indecent treatment of children aged between 11 and 15.
By Courtney Kruk
March 1, 2025 — 10.59am
A 67-year-old former basketball coach from Mango Hill has been hit with additional child sexual assault charges after more alleged victims came forward.
Former Northside Wizards coach Donald Robert McCarron was arrested on January 19 after police received information that he had used his coaching position to groom and abuse a child between 2013 and 2017.
He was charged with seven counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and grooming a child under 16.
McCarron appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 31 and was granted bail, subject to an evening curfew, reporting arrangements and a ban on international travel.
At the time of his arrest, investigators from the “Operation Xray Modern” taskforce urged anyone else who might be a victim of the alleged offender to contact them.
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On Saturday, police confirmed another three young people, aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the alleged offences, had come forward.
McCarron is now accused of having committed a further five offences – in 2006, 2023 and 2024 – while a basketball coach.
Detectives from the Gateway Child Protection and Investigation Unit attended a Mango Hill address on Friday and charged him with four counts of indecent treatment of a child, and one count of entering a dwelling with intent.
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He was refused bail and was due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.
Gateway CPIU head Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Lunney commended the alleged victims for their courage in contacting police.
“I acknowledge the bravery of every person who has come forward as part of this investigation,” he said.
“Their bravery helps police hold the alleged offenders to account and gives others the courage to come forward.
“We encourage anyone else who has any knowledge of this type of offending, is themselves a victim-survivor of sexual violence, or has information to provide in relation to this investigation to come forward.
“I want to reassure you that what has happened to you is not your fault and you are not alone, and that there are support services available to you.”
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Courtney Kruk is City Reporter at Brisbane Times, writing about the city and its people.
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