Jason Scott Hoppo granted home detention bail, charged with indecent assault, supplying child with meth
A 52-year-old man has been warned to keep “well away” from the child in state care he allegedly plied with drugs before indecently assaulting her.
North & North East
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A man has made a successful bail bid after allegedly supplying a child in state care meth before indecently assaulting her.
Jason Scott Hoppo, 52, was granted home detention bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, being warned to “keep well away” from the alleged victim.
A police prosecutor previously told the court Mr Hoppo met the 14-year-old girl, who was in the care of Child Protection, on August 12 at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.
He 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.
“(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 Elizabeth Vale man is charged with supplying the 14-year-old girl with drugs, two counts of indecently assaulting her and inciting an indecent act by her.
He is yet to enter any pleas.
Katie Evans, duty solicitor for Mr Hoppo, previously told the court he denied the accusations when questioned by police.
The court heard Mr Hoppo, a father of six children between 10 and 30, was diagnosed and medicated for schizophrenia and was receiving a disability support pension.
Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said she could not comment on the matter as it was before the courts.
In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, Magistrate Brett Dixon granted Mr Hoppo home detention bail to a Peterborough address, which was not opposed by prosecution.
“I urge you to read the bail conditions carefully … in particular the condition to keep well away from (the alleged victim),” he said.
Mr Hoppo said he understood.
The charges were adjourned until later this month.
Ed's note: In March 2023, the charges against Mr Hoppo were dismissed after delays by police in finalising their case.
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