Melbourne Netball Coach Charged with 19 Child Sex Offences Shocks Community
Melbourne girls' netball community in shock as longtime coach charged with 19 vile child sex offences after sudden pre-season exit

Image: Mail Online
Darren Adam Abela, a 50-year-old former netball coach in Melbourne, has been charged with 19 historical child sex offences, including sexual penetration of minors. His sudden replacement as co-coach of the Melton Bloods netball team weeks before the 2025 season has left the community in shock.
- 01Darren Adam Abela faces 19 charges related to child sex offences, including sexual penetration of minors.
- 02The offences allegedly occurred over a decade, primarily in Melbourne's western suburbs.
- 03Abela was replaced as co-coach of the Melton Bloods netball team shortly before the 2025 season.
- 04He has over 30 years of coaching experience, including a long tenure with the Westside Saints Netball Club.
- 05Abela's bail has been extended, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 10.
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Darren Adam Abela, a 50-year-old netball coach from Hopetoun Park, Melbourne, has been charged with 19 child sex offences, including allegations of sexual penetration of minors under his care. These charges, brought by Victoria Police, date back more than a decade and involve multiple incidents in Melbourne's western suburbs. Abela, who has over 30 years of coaching experience, was abruptly replaced as co-coach of the Melton Bloods netball team just weeks before the 2025 season. His coaching history includes a significant tenure at the Westside Saints Netball Club, where he was recognized for developing young talent. The Westside Saints had previously celebrated his contributions in a social media tribute, highlighting his role in fostering players' pathways to elite levels. Following his charges, Abela's bail has been extended, with a court date set for July 10. The netball community is left reeling from these serious allegations against a once-respected figure.
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The charges against Abela have caused significant distress within the local netball community and raised concerns about child safety in sports.
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