Doomsday cult chief Rocco Leo to face court

Controversial religious cult leader Rocco Leo will return to South Australia in January to face assault charges, The Advertiser has learned.

The head of Agape Ministries – labelled a “doomsday cult” by opponents – is accused of brawling with a man at Adelaide Airport in April.

Although listed to appear in the Holden Hill Magistrates Court yesterday, Leo did not attend and the case was adjourned until January.

His lawyer, Craig Caldicott, said he would attend court on the next occasion, that being in January.

Leo, 54, has yet to plead to one count of assault, one count of damaging property and one count of communicating a false representation to police.

Police will allege that, on April 14, he assaulted Philip Arbon – the man who first spoke out about the controversial church. Mr Arbon claims Leo attacked him when he tried to take a photograph of him, damaging his camera and backpack.

Police will further allege Rocco made false representations to their officers at Holden Hill following the altercation.
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