Perth day care worker on trial over allegations he touched two children

A 39-year-old day care employee has gone on trial in Perth’s District Court accused of indecently dealing with two young children that were in his care at separate centres in 2023.

Robert David Reti denies allegations that he inappropriately touched the girls, aged four and six, at the businesses in Banksia Grove and Lesmurdie.

Reti appeared in Perth’s District Court.Credit: Elliahn Blenkinsop

On Tuesday, a jury heard evidence from both of the children who said the childcare employee touched them and exposed himself as they sat on his lap.

“He’s not supposed to do that,” one of the children told the court via a pre-recorded interview.

The girl described how she was sitting on Reti’s lap when he allegedly touched her inappropriately, describing how he had an “evil smile” on his face.

“His face was like the devil, you know that wide smile like that?” she said.

Another child, aged four, told the court Reti once had a hole in his shorts and was exposing himself while he was chasing her and tickling her with his penis.

The court heard that the girls’ parents reported the incidents to police and Reti was charged with two counts of indecently dealing with a child under 13 years.

Both the girls’ mothers will be giving evidence during the trial which is set to last four days, along with day care staff.

Reti’s defence lawyer Hamish Glenister told the court his client denied indecently dealing with the children saying there were always other staff present.

Glenister said his client would be giving evidence to deny the “implausible” accusations.

The trial continues.

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