There are two people in Glen Innes with the names Allan McKinnon.
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Allan Cameron McKinnon wants you to know he isn't the one charged with sexually grooming a child.
In an absurd coincidence, the businessperson and former truck driver has been subjected to an insidious whispering campaign based on a bizarre case of mistaken identity.
"You can see them looking at you.
"(People basically) looking at you sideways without saying anything to you," he said.
"Even people that I’ve known (as customers) ever since I’ve been in here."
That's because people think he's been charged with sexually grooming children.
Mark Allan McKinnon was charged last month with attempting to procure a children under 15 for unlawful sexual activity after allegedly making inappropriate comments to a young boy in a park on East avenue in Glen Innes. Police arrested him on Australia day after the boy immediately informed his mother of the alleged offence.
When he went to court on January 31, this newspaper named him. That's when the trouble began.
Turns out there are two Allan McKinnons in Glen Innes, population 8000. The newspaper used all three names but that didn't stop people leaping to conclusions. They're even the same age, 61 and 62.
"It’s upsetting, it’s very upsetting actually," said Allan Cameron McKinnon.
"I’ve found myself getting quite aggro about it, especially to people that don’t know but they’re quite happy to talk about what supposedly happened.
"And you’ll get the occasional person who’s actually got the guts to ask me!
"It's the sort of thing people would belt you up for, if they had the guts to come out of the woodwork"
It has even hurt his business. Trade at his second hand furniture store has really dropped off over the last few weeks.
He's tried everything. He has tried talking to people one on one, but the whispering continues. He's had friends telling people the truth. His solicitor suggested reminding people defamation can cost you a substantial amount of money.
"To some it’s probably hilarious - not me," he said.
"I just want people to know they’ve got the wrong bloke!"
He went to the police to see what they could do. The station recommended he talk to the Examiner. He's very much hoping this article will put this rumor to bed.
Inspector Matt Hemsworth of the Glen Innes police confirms Allan Cameron McKinnon is not a person of interest in any case.
The Glen Innes Examiner is not suggesting Mark Allan McKinnon is guilty. He is yet to face a jury.
