A 46-year-old paedophile screamed "I hope you burn in hell" and branded the jury "racist" after being convicted of raping a little boy in a remote Kimberley community. Patrick Joseph Hunter was convicted by a jury in the Western Australia District Court on Wednesday following a trial that examined offences committed between 2019 and 2020.

The court heard that the victim was known to Hunter and that the attacks took place in an isolated Indigenous community in the state's far north. Prosecutors alleged Hunter subjected the child to sexual abuse on multiple occasions during that period, with the victim's pre-recorded testimony forming key evidence.

The jury returned guilty verdicts on one count of child rape and additional charges of indecent dealing with a child under 13.

As he was led from the dock in handcuffs, Hunter turned to the jury and said: "You're racist, I've got family of my own. I hope you all burn in hell."

Judge Alan Troy immediately remanded Hunter in custody ahead of sentencing scheduled for December 2025.

The ABC reported the trial began earlier this month, with the victim's evidence provided through pre-recorded testimony to shield the child from the courtroom experience.

The victim's identity remains protected under Western Australian law.

Hunter has no prior convictions for sexual offences.

During the trial, Hunter gave evidence in his own defence, denying the allegations and stating he "didn't do them things, man," in response to questions about the charges.

Defence lawyer Ms Conley told the jury "the inconsistencies in evidence should not trouble you" because the statements were consistent in relation to the charge itself.

She added: "When a witness recalls something differently, it's not because they are lying, it's because they are human ... and that's especially true of children."

Crown prosecutor Lesley Dowding described the child as having been "brave" in giving evidence.

The defence argued the child's account contained inconsistencies and lacked physical corroboration, but the jury convicted after deliberating.

The case highlights ongoing child safety issues in remote Western Australian communities, where reporting abuse can be challenging due to cultural and geographical factors.

Western Australia Police commended the victim's family for their role in the investigation, which involved specialist child interview teams over several years.

The Department of Justice noted that support services, including counselling, have been provided to those impacted.

Hunter faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for the rape conviction, with sentencing to consider the breach of trust and the victim's vulnerability.

Judge Troy emphasised the seriousness of the offences in preliminary remarks, signalling a substantial prison term ahead.

This verdict is among several recent child sexual abuse convictions in the Kimberley, fuelling advocacy for better prevention resources in Indigenous areas.

Community organisations have stressed the need for culturally sensitive programmes to address trauma and encourage reporting.

The trial's use of pre-recorded evidence was highlighted as a protective measure for young witnesses.

As the region grapples with the implications, authorities urge vigilance against child exploitation.

The outcome underscores the justice system's role in holding perpetrators accountable while supporting survivors' recovery.