A former Australian physical education teacher has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment for his brazen and forcible abuse of two schoolgirls under his care in the 1980s. William 'Rob' Gilfillan, now 69, appeared via video link from Barwon prison as Chief Justice Amanda Chambers delivered the verdict at a sentencing hearing.
The sentence will be served concurrently with Gilfillan's existing 48-year term for the rape and torture of his daughter in New South Wales. The judge determined that adding to this term would result in a "wholly disproportionate sentence" given Gilfillan's age and the likelihood he will die in custody. He is not eligible for parole until he is 92.
Justice Chambers highlighted the significant breach of trust involved in Gilfillan's crimes, stating that teachers are entrusted by schools and communities to perform their roles with integrity. The case underscores the profound harm caused when such breaches occur, particularly in relationships built on trust.
The court heard that one victim experienced a "brazen and forcible" act of sexual penetration in the school gym, while another suffered significant emotional distress, becoming isolated and struggling for many years to come to terms with their abuse. Despite Gilfillan's continued denials, Justice Chambers affirmed that the individual sentences imposed serve as vindication for the two victims whose accounts were believed.
Notably, a podcast published in 2023, 'Shadow of Doubt', featured interviews with Gilfillan and his former wife, Karen, questioning their guilt and suggesting a potential miscarriage of justice. This has led to an investigation by Corrective Services NSW into how a journalist was able to interview the incarcerated couple.
Gilfillan was found guilty in December on five counts related to the two victims' abuse. His name could not be published between 2016 and 2025 due to the ongoing Victorian charges, which he faced before a jury.