Compton man, 68, guilty of possessing child abuse material, denies maintaining a sexual relationship with a child

An elderly man who admitted to possessing child abuse material says he did not show it to the child he allegedly abused over a five-year period.

A 68-year-old man, charged with maintaining a sexual relationship with a child admitted he had child abuse material, but did not show it to the child he allegedly abused.

The Compton man appeared in the Mount Gambier District Court on Tuesday was also charged with one count of aggravated possession and one count of possession, knowing of its pornographic nature on May 5, 2020 on the outskirts of the city.

Court documents reveal the man was aware the child depicted was under the age of 14 in relation to the first charge.

The 68-year-old Compton man appeared at the Mount Gambier District Court on Tuesday. Picture: Jessica Ball

Defence lawyer Nick Healy said the man would plead not guilty to maintaining a sexual relationship and showing it to the child, but guilty to possession of the child abuse material.

“(The accused) has entered pleas of guilty in relation to (the child abuse material) matters,” he said.

“There is an outstanding matter that I understand is not listed but will be listed in the October circuit and that relates to maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship.”

Mr Healy said the two matters were linked and asked for sentencing to follow the trial.

“That will be a plea of not guilty,” he said.

“The complainant makes the allegation that this material was shown to her and that is in dispute.

“That will be a plea of not guilty.

“We’ll maintain that this material could not have been shown to the complaint.”

Mr Healy told Judge Geraldine Davison the accused had the material, but not at the time of allegation.

“It’s material the complaint becomes aware of on the Crown allegation,” Judge Davison said.

“But which by chance, your client has in his possession.

“You see the obvious difficulty that may face you, your client having admitted that he has possession of this material.”

Court documents reveal the man is accused of maintaining a sexual relationship with a child between December 31, 2015 and April 20, 2020 at Compton.

Bail was continued with the accused to reappear in the October circuit of the Mount Gambier District Court.