Steven Makins charged with five counts of procuring a child for sexual activity

A volunteer firefighter who allegedly groomed a 13-year-old girl online over several years will be allowed to be alone with children, a court has heard.

A father who allegedly believed he was grooming a 13-year-old girl online over several years will be allowed to be alone with children.

Steven Makins, 33, applied to the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday to have his bail address changed, after allegedly communicating with an undercover police officer.

Jessica Houlahan, for the prosecution, told the court they had concerns three children would be residing on and off at the same address, including two of Mr Makin’s biological children and his partner’s child.

The court heard Mr Makins allegedly communicated with an undercover police officer posing as a 13 and 14-year-old girl on multiple occasions.

Mr Makins, of Andrews Farm, is charged with five counts of procuring a child for sexual activity.

If found guilty, the maximum penalty for a basic offence of procuring a child for sexual activity – even if the victim is a fictitious person represented as a real person – is 10 years jail.

Steven Makins is charged with five counts of procuring a child for sexual activity. Photo: Facebook

Steven Makins is expected to enter pleas to his charges next month. Photo: Facebook

Court documents allege Mr Makins made a communication with the intention of procuring a child to engage in, or submit to sexual activity on September 14, 2019 at Andrew Farms.

He allegedly committed the same offence between September 3 and September 23, 2019, on July 4, 2020, and between May 11 and June 23, 2022.

Counsel, for Mr Makins, told the court the children living at the home were all boys and requested his bail conditions be changed so he could be alone with them if his partner had to go out.

“He’s worried that as soon as the partner leaves the house, police might turn up on his doorstep,” his lawyer said.

“Quite so,” replied Magistrate Roderick Jensen.

“He’s on bail, he’s got a bail condition.”

Steven Makins is charged with child grooming.

Mr Jensen asked if Mr Makins had any family members who could be present with the children if his partner had to leave the house, to provide them with additional protection.

Mr Makins’ lawyer said family members might not always be available and that meant they would have to plan shopping trips 24-hours in advance.

“His partner is fully versed in these matters and if she has concerns she would raise that with the Department of Correctional Services,” he said.

Mr Jensen granted the bail variation, with conditions Mr Makins not engage in any child related work, or communicate or be alone with children, besides the three living at the address with him.

Mr Makins was also banned from using the internet for any purpose except banking, employment and legal services.

The charges were adjourned until next month, where Mr Makins will be expected to enter pleas.