Religious sect leader faces court on sex charges

ABC Illawarra NSW/April 2, 2003

The leader of a NSW south coast religious sect charged with nine offences, including aggravated sexual assault on a minor, has appeared in Nowra Local Court.

The court heard evidence from a former member of the Order of Saint Charbel at Cambewarra.

William Kamm, 53, was present in Nowra court as a former member of his south coast religious sect gave evidence relating to sexual assault charges.

The charges state Kamm, otherwise known as "the little pebble", had sex with the woman without her consent in 1994 when she was 14-years-old.

A document tendered in court written by Kamm outlined details of the sect, including facts relating to women called "queens", "princesses" and "baronesses".

The document stated these women were "mystically bound" to Kamm and would get a divine blessing.

The woman who gave evidence in court was one of Kamm's "queens" or "mystical wives".

Kamm has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The committal hearing will continue in Nowra in August.