Backlash erupts after charity's comments about volunteer who was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a child
A Queensland homeless charity has caused outrage after publicly applauding the 'good deeds' of one of their volunteers after he was arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a minor.
Fill Your Cup based in Deception Bay issued a lengthy statement regarding 78-year-old Colin Behan who has been involved in their organisation for the past three years.
Now furious locals have blasted them for giving a 'good character reference' to an alleged paedophile.
Behan was charged with indecent treatment of a child and attempted rape after police were called to a park on Raymond Terrace in Deception Bay, on February 15 following reports a girl under the age of 12 was allegedly sexually assaulted.
Detectives allege a group of people were socialising at the park when the pensioner was seen at a toilet block on his mobility scooter with a young girl and allegedly sexually assaulted her.
On Monday Fill Your Cup took to their Facebook in a now deleted post to 'highlight' some of his positive contributions amid his actions.
'We have known the 78-year-old-man since we started operations three years ago and have had interactions with him,' read the post.
Colin Behan, 78, was charged with two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 12 years and one count of attempted rape
The charity Fill Your Cup received an onslaught of abuse after they highlighted Behan's good deeds.
'He has been very helpful in supporting our homeless community, including providing shelter and by donating a camp trailer and sharing his own resources.'
The statement went on to acknowledge the anger and disgust people were feeling since the news broke but did not want to 'further condemn him.'
'We simply want to acknowledge his good deeds as well,' it read.
Within minutes the comment section was filled with hundreds of furious replies.
'Absolutely disgraceful. Should be ashamed of yourself,' wrote Cody Moore to which Fill Your Cup replied, 'We are not ashamed. we have merely expressed our opinion as have you.'
After dozens more irate community members filled the comment section Fill Your Cup deleted their post, posted a short apology for failing to acknowledge the alleged victim or her family before deleting their entire Facebook page.
Detectives allege a group of people were socialising at the park when Behan was seen at a toilet block on his mobility scooter with a young girl before a witness intervened
It's alleged a witness intervened at the park and the alleged incident was reported to police.
Police believe the alleged victim and Behan are not directly known to each other but regularly visit the same park.
He vehemently denied any attempted rape when confronted by 9News, claiming he was 'incapable of that sort of thing'.
'I don't know how to describe it, I don't know what to say. I wasn't trying to do anything.'
The 78-year-old added he 'hates paedophilia'.
'I hate it, and I always have all my life, and I've never had anything whatsoever to do with anyone like this before.'
Following a search warrant executed by the police at his home, another child came forward to officers reporting further alleged indecent acts by the 78-year-old.
Police will allege between July and November last year, he sent indecent messages to that child, to try to procure exploitation material,.
On Febuary 22, he faced court on new charges of indecent treatment of a child under 16, using the internet to procure a child under 16, and performing an indecent act to insult or offend.
Although the police opposed bail, he was once again released back into the community.
Behan is due back Redcliffe Magistrates Court on March 5 and was granted bail on the condition he stay away from the park and his alleged victim.
A spokesperson at Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission confirmed that Fill Your Cup is not a registered charity.
'By law the ACNC cannot speak publicly about the circumstances of any charity, apart from referring to information already published on the Charity Register,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
'Charities are not required to register with the ACNC, but there are significant benefits in registering, including generous tax concessions.
'There is no charity on the Charity Register with the name Fill your Cup.'
If you've experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there's an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
