A former physical education teacher currently serving Australia's longest sentence for child sexual abuse offenses against his daughter has received an additional seven-and-a-half-year prison term for what a judge described as 'brazen and forcible' sexual crimes against two schoolgirls under his care in the 1980s.
William 'Rob' Gilfillan, 69, appeared before the Victorian County Court on Tuesday via video link from Barwon prison. He was found guilty in December of indecent assault of a person under 16 and sexual penetration of a child under 16. The five counts involved two victims and took place at Traralgon high school in Gippsland, Victoria.
Judge Details the Abuse
During the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Amanda Chambers detailed Gilfillan's crimes as he repeatedly shook his head. Chambers noted that Gilfillan denied his offending and showed no prospect of rehabilitation.
'Teachers are entrusted by their schools and school communities in the performance of their role,' Chambers said. 'This case highlights the profound and enduring harm caused where offending transgresses that foundational relationship of trust.'
Chambers emphasized the gravity of the offenses, stating that the decision to abuse the two girls was a 'reasoned, albeit perverted one, engaged in for your own sexual gratification.' She highlighted the 'brazen and forcible act of sexual penetration' against one victim, known as TC, in the back of the school gymnasium. The court heard that TC described Gilfillan thrusting his penis into her vagina, causing significant pain.
Impact on Victims
Another victim, identified as BM, told the court she became an isolated teenager due to the hurt, confusion, and pain she experienced, spending a 'very long time in a dark place.'
Concurrent Sentence
Chambers noted that she had to consider the unprecedented length of the 48-year sentence imposed by the New South Wales District Court in 2016 for the rape and torture of Gilfillan's daughter. That sentence means Gilfillan will not be eligible for parole until age 92.
'If you are not granted parole, by the time you have served your 48-year sentence, you will have reached the age of 104,' Chambers said. 'It is more likely than not that you will die in custody.'
To add to the existing sentence would result in a 'wholly disproportionate sentence for the entirety of your criminality,' Chambers ruled, ordering the seven-and-a-half-year term to be served concurrently with the NSW sentence.
'It is nonetheless important to recognise and state that the individual sentences of imprisonment imposed on you today are a vindication of the two victims whose accounts of your sexual abuse were believed despite your denials,' she added.
Media Restrictions and Podcast Controversy
Between his 2016 conviction in NSW and December 2025, media were prohibited from naming Gilfillan due to pending Victorian charges. In 2023, extensive interviews with Gilfillan and his former wife Karen Gilfillan formed the basis of a podcast by The Australian newspaper, which raised doubts about their guilt. Karen Gilfillan was also jailed for her role in the sexual abuse of her daughter.
Guardian Australia revealed in April that Corrective Services NSW is investigating how journalist Richard Guilliatt was able to interview the couple while incarcerated. The podcast, titled 'Shadow of Doubt,' claimed the case might represent a 'grave miscarriage of justice.' The couple told The Australian: 'We're innocent … these things just did not happen.' In the podcast, their identities were protected through voice distortion and anonymity.
Support Resources
In Australia, children, young adults, parents, and teachers can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or Bravehearts at 1800 272 831. Adult survivors can reach the Blue Knot Foundation at 1300 657 380. In the UK, the NSPCC offers support for children at 0800 1111 and for adults concerned about a child at 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) supports adult survivors at 0808 801 0331. In the US, call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline at 800-422-4453. Additional help is available through Child Helplines International.
