Man granted bail over alleged historic sex abuse, grooming of child

CONTENT WARNING: this story refers to alleged child sex abuse.

A 61-year-old man has claimed allegations of child sex abuse against a teenage girl are based on “historical fabricated evidence” while facing court.

The man appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday (20 November).

He is facing two counts of committing an act of indecency on a young person, a charge of committing an act of indecency in the second degree, and one charge of grooming a young person. Region has chosen not to name the man.

An ACT Policing spokesperson said the charges relate to the alleged abuse of a then-13-year-old girl in 2011.

A report was made to police of a historical sexual assault allegation in 2023, and the 61-year-old was arrested at his residence at about 2 pm on Tuesday (19 November).

“Police will allege the man committed acts of indecency and groomed the girl at his home,” the spokesperson said.

In the Magistrates Court, the prosecution did not oppose an application for bail from the man’s lawyer.

Prosecutor Eliza Simpson said some of the “potential witnesses” in this case were related to his past convictions.

While the conditions of his bail were discussed, the man spoke several times.

He described the allegations as being drawn from “historical fabricated evidence” and told the court he was waiting on surgery.

“I really don’t go anywhere or anything; I can’t drive a car,” he said.

Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker granted the man conditional bail.

His conditions include not contacting several people (including the alleged victim), not being in the presence of someone under 18 without another adult present and residing at a Bonython address.

The 61-year-old is expected to next appear in the ACT Magistrates Court in January 2025. He is yet to enter pleas.

If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732.

Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.