A student who claims she was sexually abused told a teacher she had "half a dad" because he was cheating on her mother, with her.
The father told police he was completely blindsided by the allegation and while admitting not being a perfect parent, says he never sexually touched his daughter and since she got older rarely even speaks with her.
The 39-year-old has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexually touching a child between the ages of 10 and 16.
The charges relate to an alleged single event in which he is accused of touching the then 15-year-old, who has intellectual disabilities, on the breasts and genitals while they were alone in her bedroom.
In a police interview played to a District Court trial in Bega, in southeastern NSW, on Tuesday the father said the family largely kept to themselves at night, with the girl spending much of her time on the social media app, TikTok.
"When she was young it was like daddy's little girl," he said.
"These days it's 'go away, I just want to be left alone'."
Police launched an investigation into the alleged abuse following a report from the girl's teacher, who appeared as a witness on Tuesday.
According to the teacher, the teen told her in September 2022 that her father had touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions.
"I only have half a dad," the teen allegedly said.
"Dad's been cheating on Mum."
When asked who the father had been cheating with, the teen allegedly replied "with me."
The class for students with intellectual disabilities had previously done a lesson on who can see their bodies, the court was told.
"My students are very vulnerable," the teacher said.
The father completely denied having sexually touched his daughter and when asked said he hasn't played any role in helping her dress for years.
Asked about how the girl was going at school, he replied; "I'm a s***** parent, sorry".
"At home for us at night I'll be on my computer - a lazy parent," he said.
"My poor habits with being a bit of a computer nerd have like bled into them."
The parties will deliver closing submissions to the jury on Wednesday before it retires to consider a verdict.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
