The trial of a former ultra-Orthodox Jewish college principal accused of raping three former college students has moved behind closed doorways.
Malka Leifer, 56, is dealing with 29 prices over the alleged sexual abuse of Melbourne sisters Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper when she was head of faith and principal on the Adass Israel College within the metropolis's japanese suburbs.
Leifer, a mom of eight, has pleaded not responsible and is dealing with trial within the Victorian County Court docket.
The courtroom was closed on Thursday when the primary of the ladies, Meyer, was anticipated to start her proof.
It is believed to be the primary time any of the ladies was in the identical room as Leifer in 15 years.
The courtroom is predicted to stay closed within the coming days as Erlich and Sapper additionally give their proof within the case.
Prosecutor Justin Lewis opened the case towards Leifer in entrance of a jury of 15 on Wednesday, alleging Leifer had a bent to behave in the way in which alleged.
"It's stated she tends to have a sexual curiosity in ladies once they had been teenage college students on the college and when those self same ladies had been pupil academics … to make the most of their vulnerability, their ignorance in sexual issues and her place within the college," he stated.
She's accused of raping all three ladies, now of their 30s.
Different prices embrace indecent assault and sexual penetration of a kid aged 16 or 17.
After allegedly raping Meyer shortly earlier than her marriage ceremony, Lewis stated Leifer instructed her "this may assist you to to your marriage ceremony evening".
She's additionally accused of sexually abusing Meyer and Erlich when the trio shared a room on a college camp.
Leifer additionally allegedly instructed the youngest sister, Sapper, after abusing her on a number of events that "that is good for you".
Leifer's barrister Ian Hill KC stated the defence place was that the allegations are "inaccurate, imagined and/or fabricated".
"Mrs Leifer denies the entire legal conduct alleged by every of the complainants," he stated.
"You'll hear that in 2008 she stated to a fellow trainer … that she had finished nothing fallacious."
He stated jurors had been anticipated to listen to there was a constructive, glowing and applicable relationship between Leifer and the sisters.
Assist is on the market from 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).