'Australia's Neverland': Vile paedophile teacher used a farm where he raped several boys as a 'tool of seduction' - as judge compares the property to Michael Jackson's ranch
- An Australian farm has been compared to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch
- Timothy Richardson, 82, raped and assaulted six students at his Harkaway farm
- The farm is worth an estimated $1million and is the subject of a forfeiture hearing
A Victorian County Court judge has compared a farm where one of Australia's worst paedophiles groomed his victims to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
Timothy Richardson, 82, was found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting six students at his Harkaway farm, southeast of Melbourne, between 1963 and 1973.
The farm, which is worth an estimated $1million, was the subject of a forfeiture application hearing in the County Court on Tuesday, The herald Sun reported.
A Victorian County Court judge has compared a farm where one of Australia's worst paedophiles groomed his victims to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch (pictured)
Richardson, who was a teacher at Dandenong High School (pictured), used the farm to 'lure' his unsuspecting victims to the rural location where he would then assault them
Richardson, who was a teacher at Dandenong High School, used the farm to 'lure' his unsuspecting victims to the rural location where he would then assault them.
If the 'tainted' Harkaway property ends up being forfeited, the money will be used to compensate Richardson's victims.
Judge Paul Higham made a reference to Neverland - Michael Jackson's Californian estate where the singer was alleged to have raped several children
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When Judge Higham asked whether Neverland would be forfeited, the answer was 'certainly'.
Prosecutor Deborah Mandie told the court the Harkaway's rural location created the opportunity for Richardson to commit his offending in absolute privacy and isolation.
'The features of the property were used to entice the victims and the school and the parents to give permission,' Ms Mandie said.
Harkaway was set up to deliberately appeal to young boys, the court heard.
It was a place where they could enjoy 'healthy activities' such as bike riding, swimming, bush walks, tractor riding and feeding cattle.
Prosecutor Deborah Mandie told the court the Harkaway's rural location (pictured) created the opportunity for Richardson to commit his offending in absolute privacy and isolation
Richardson, who was a well-respected teacher at the time, would convince parents it was safe to send their boys away for the weekend with him.
One of his victim's said 'if it was not for the offending it (the farm) was heaven'.'
Another victim, who was raped '80-100' times, described his experience as 'prostituting' himself.
A third victim said: 'Sex education was the price of admission to this great place.'
Richardson appeared in court via video link from Hopkins Corrections Centre.
The hearing is continuing.
