Child Protection Minister calls 13-year-old’s abuse allegations ‘tragic’ after Jayden Ramone McKenna faces court on child sex charges

Allegations of sexual abuse of a girl in the state’s care have been described as “tragic” by SA’s Child Protection Minister as the man accused asked for bail near a school.

The state’s Child Protection Minister has described allegations a 13-year-old in the state’s care was sexually abused after meeting a Golden Grove man on Snapchat as “tragic”.

Jayden Ramone McKenna, 20, was denied home detention bail amid concerns he would not be able to avoid contact with young people in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Tuesday as he face charges of having sex with a person under the age of 14.

Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said the department was aware of the allegations.

Jayden Ramone McKenna is facing charges of child sex abuse against a 13-year-old. Picture: Facebook

“My heart goes out to this girl,” Ms Hildyard said.

“This is a tragic … situation.

“I have sought assurance from the department that this girl is being provided with all of the support that she needs at this terrible time and beyond.”

Ms Hildyard said the girl had been living in a non-government facility and was making inquiries into how the allegations could have eventuated.

“I have asked the department to urgently speak with this agency about the matter,” she said.

The court heard Mr McKenna allegedly befriended the 13-year-old girl on Snapchat before the pair met up at his Golden Grove house and he sexually abused her three times over three days earlier this year.

The court heard the day following the alleged offending the young girl began to “feel scared about what had happened” and contacted police.

Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

Kassandra Girolamo, legal aid duty solicitor for Mr McKenna, told the court her client had intellectual disabilities and had been diagnosed with ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome and autism.

She said Mr McKenna was supported by a carer who attended his house for several hours each day.

In applying for home detention bail, which was opposed by police based on the “extreme” seriousness of the allegations, Ms Girolamo said Mr McKenna would be at risk if left in prison.

“He is particularly vulnerable in custody given not only the nature of these charges but his young age … and his intellectual disabilities,” she said.

Magistrate Mark Semmens detailed concern about Mr McKenna’s home’s proximity to a nearby school and playground, and belief his house was frequented by young people in the area, when denying the home detention application.

“Young people in his area frequently attend his property to use his belongings, play games and congregate,” he said.

“There’s risk and concerns around the defendant in contact with young people at the residence.”

Mr McKenna was due to return to court in September.