Ex-Gidarjil CEO Kerry Blackman jailed over 'persistent' sexual assaults
A woman who was sexually assaulted by Kerry Blackman has told a Queensland court she no longer felt safe and had lost her sense of belonging in the community.
Kerry Blackman, former CEO of the Gidarjil Development Corporation, has been sentenced to 18 months in jail with parole after being convicted on four sexual assault charges. The offences, which took place between 2017 and 2023, involved persistent and aggressive physical advances on a woman who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The victim testified during the sentencing hearing that Blackman's actions had profoundly altered her life, stripping away her sense of stability, trust, dignity, and belonging in her community. The court heard that the assaults began when the victim was 23 years old and included biting, grabbing her bottom, and sending inappropriate texts.
Blackman's actions were described as opportunistic by the crown prosecutor, who noted that he showed no remorse for his actions. Despite his prior honorary doctorate from CQ University, the award was revoked following the criminal charges in 2024. Judge John Allen emphasized the persistent and protracted nature of Blackman's offending, stating it was an abuse of power. The 69-year-old was handed the sentence after serving 50% of the time.
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