Jason Scott Hoppo charged with indecent assault, supplying minor with meth

A 52-year-old man charged with indecent assault and supplying meth to a child in state care, after he allegedly met her out the front of a hospital, has withdrawn his bail application.

A 52-year-old man met a child at the Lyell McEwin Hospital before allegedly supplying her with meth, inviting her to his home and sexually assaulting her, has withdrawn his bail application.

Jason Scott Hoppo, of Elizabeth Vale, applied for bail from prison in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on charges of supplying the 14-year-old girl with drugs, two counts of indecently assaulting her and inciting an indecent act by her on August 12.

On Friday, a duty solicitor for Mr Hoppo withdrew the bail application.

The court heard the 14-year-old girl was in the care of Child Protection and Mr Hoppo had been directed not to contact her, but told police he was a “free man who can associate with whomever he wishes”.

A police prosecutor told the court Mr Hoppo met the girl outside the hospital and then allegedly invited the girl to smoke methamphetamine at his house with him and his partner before his partner left and he indecently assaulted her.

The court heard the child was hospitalised as a result of the alleged assault which involved Mr Hoppo touching her breast and genitals, pinning her against a couch, and kissing her.

Jason Scott Hoppo, who is facing charges of supplying meth to a child, indecent assault and inciting an indecent act by a child. Picture: Facebook

“(The girl) arrived, sat on the lounge with (Mr Hoppo) and they began smoking methamphetamine,” the prosecutor said.

“All this stopped when (Mr Hoppo’s) partner returned home.

“Police have been made aware of these allegations and police have gone to speak to (Mr Hoppo) and he’s denied all of the charges and does not agree with a direction (from DCP not to associate with the girl).

“He says he does not agree with the written direction and says he’s a free man and can associate with whomever he wishes.”

The court heard Mr Hoppo, in a recorded interview with police, denied the allegations.

It is alleged Mr Hoppo met the girl outside the Lyell McEwin Hospital (pictured). Picture: AAP Image/Morgan Sette

SA Health was asked if Mr Hoppo was an employee at the hospital at the time of the alleged offending but could not confirm or deny if he was.

In a statement, the department said they were unable to comment on matters of employment or matters before the court.

Katie Evans, duty solicitor for Mr Hoppo, “reiterated” that her client denied the accusations when questioned by police upon his arrest.

Ms Evans told the court Mr Hoppo, a father of six children between 10 and 30, was diagnosed and medicated for schizophrenia and was receiving a disability support pension.

Magistrate Justin Wickens told the court the only form of bail he would consider for Mr Hoppo was home detention.

“It’s very concerning that in his record of interview he suggests to police that he didn’t have to comply with the DCP direction not to associate with this child,” he said.

“I would consider that he would be a risk if he was out and about unmonitored in relation to this situation.”

Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said she could not comment on the matter as it was before the courts.

Mr Hoppo will return to court later this year.

Ed's note: In March 2023, the charges against Mr Hoppo were dismissed after delays by police in finalising their case.