An arrest warrant has been issued for a former St Kilda little league football coach after he failed to attend court to face dozens of historical sexual abuse charges.
Ray Cosgriff, 82, who is also known as Darrelly Ray, has been charged with 26 indecent assault offences against eight alleged victims dating back to the 1960s and 70s, when he taught at a primary school in Melbourne's southeast.
The Queensland man was due to face a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, but he failed to show.
The police prosecutor said she would seek a warrant for his arrest.
She said police spoke to Cosgriff on Thursday about attending the hearing and he told them he was feeling unwell but indicated he would contact the court.
Police also spoke to his wife, who said she would attend court.
Cosgriff's lawyers were also not in court for the short hearing.
The magistrate approved of a warrant to arrest Cosgriff.
Cosgriff was charged by Victoria Police's Sex Crimes Squad in June following a lengthy investigation into historical abuse.
He worked at a primary school at Beaumaris in the 1970s and coached St Kilda's little league team for 11 seasons.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
