11 December 2019

Eden stalwart found guilty of child sex offences

| Ian Campbell
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Reinhard ‘Fritz’ Drenkhahn. Photo: Facebook

Once an Eden stalwart, Reinhard ‘Fritz’ Drenkhahn has been found guilty on four charges of sexually assaulting children.

The 65-year-old was arrested at his home in 2016 on charges that relate to the abuse of two local boys aged 12 and 14 years at the time. The offences occurred in the early 2000’s locally and in another part of regional New South Wales.

Both victims are now in their late twenties; a detailed account of their abuse was presented to a jury of Drenkhahn’s peers this week in Wollongong District Court.

The investigation lead by Detective Sergeant Justin Marks, Detective Sergeant Shane Robinson, and Sergeant Clifton Scarlett has resulted in Drenkhahn being found guilty on three counts of ‘Aggravated Indecent Assault with victim under the age of 16 years’ and one count of ‘Sexual Intercourse with person 10 or over and under 16 years’.

Bail was refused with sentencing scheduled for February 14, 2020, in Wollongong District Court.

Drenkhan’s connection with Eden stems back some 30 years as a commercial fisherman and owner of a fishing vessel.

More to come.

For support, information, and advice – Bravehearts, 1800 Respect, and Lifeline.

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How dare you call this person a “stalwart”, he is a creep, a convicted abuser of children.

SheOtheSouth7:59 am 06 Dec 19

Saddened, did you check the definition of ‘stalwart’? Why start a piece about a child abuser with a compliment?

I agree, odd headline as there is no reference to his “stalwart” ness in the article. Maybe Ian is saying that even hardworking loyal members of the community can be pedophiles?

Ian Campbell5:28 am 07 Dec 19

Hi Liane, the article talks about his 30 year connection with Eden, he’s well known, and history tells us peoples position/power is often used in these cases. More to come. Ian

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