A former Melbourne magistrate will have to be isolated from prisoners for his own protection if he is jailed for indecently assaulting two teenage boys almost 30 years ago, a court has heard.
Defence lawyer Ian Hill said Simon Mitchell Cooper, 56, has been considerably punished through the loss of his reputation, job and the public humiliation that followed his plea of guilty to seven counts of indecent assault, committed in the 1980s.
He said Cooper, who had also worked as a Crown prosecutor in Victoria, would need to be isolated if he was jailed.
"A period of actual imprisonment would likely result in a significant deterioration in Mr Cooper's mental state," Mr Hill told the Victorian County Court on Friday.
NSW Judge Stephen Norrish had heard evidence from psychologist Patrick Newton that Cooper suffered moderate depression and had suicidal thoughts following his arrest.
"He was devastated," Mr Newton said.
One of the victims, who read a victim impact statement to the court, said he had been to "dark places" since the assaults which gave rise to six of the seven charges.
He said he had admired Cooper, and the older man used this to manipulate him.
"He was cunning, manipulative and always had an ulterior motive," the victim told the court.
He said he had suffered psychological and emotional turmoil since the attacks.
"My fear was extreme. My mind begged him to stop. I was terrified beyond belief," the victim said as he described one of the incidents.
"I pushed him away and ran down the street barefoot, hiding in a telephone box.
"I was ashamed. I felt guilty. I believed it was my fault."
Senior Crown prosecutor Raymond Elston gave character evidence for Cooper, who he described as a close friend, saying he was dumbfounded when he heard of the charges.
"He never conducted himself in any way other than a devoted husband and father," Mr Elston said.
Mr Elston was one of several senior members of Victoria's legal community who gave evidence of Cooper's character, including Magistrate Kate MacPherson.
The father of the first victim said he was offended by the hypocrisy of Cooper's actions, given his role in the legal system.
Mr Hill called for the sentence Judge Norrish is due to hand down on Tuesday to be wholly suspended.
Cooper's bail was extended.
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