The founder of a prominent Queensland charity that supports the homeless appeared in court today, accused of sexually assaulting multiple women.
Yas Matbouly, founder of Serving Our People, a not-for-profit organisation providing free groceries and services to vulnerable communities on the Gold Coast, was charged with 51 offences last night. The charges include 34 counts of sexual assault, 14 counts of rape, as well as assault occasioning bodily harm and attempted rape.
The alleged offences involve three women in their 20s who were known to Matbouly and are said to have occurred between April and November last year. The 50-year-old stepped down as CEO of the charity in December.
Police yesterday raided the Mermaid Beach charity premises, after which Matbouly handed himself in. Prosecutors told the court that the alleged actions were calculated and involved unwanted physical contact that escalated into serious sexual offences.
Former volunteers and employees of the charity were present in court as the allegations were read out. Matbouly was granted bail under strict conditions, including home detention at his Mermaid Beach residence, reporting to police twice a week, surrendering his passport, and avoiding all contact with the alleged victims.
He is scheduled to reappear before the Southport Magistrates Court next month.
