Heath Tonkin pleads not guilty to multiple child sex offences

The co-owner of a popular mobile coffee van in Adelaide’s south will face trial after pleading not guilty to multiple child sex offences.

The co-owner of a popular mobile coffee van will face trial after he was charged with child sex offences.

Heath Wayne Tonkin, 43, pleaded not guilty to a number of counts including communicating for the purpose of making a child amenable to sexual activity and possession of child exploitation material.

Heath Tonkin pleaded not guilty to multiple child sex offences. Picture: Emma Brasier

Police allege between November 17, 2022 through December 7, 2022, Mr Tonkin was communicating with a child under the age of 14 years.

Police further allege Mr Tonkin was in possession of child exploitation material during the same time period.

The maximum penalty for both offences is 12 years imprisonment.

On December 7, 2022 detectives from the SA Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (SA JACET), arrested the 43-year-old.

In the Adelaide Magistrate Court on Wednesday, Mr Tonkin pleaded not guilty to all six charges.

He will face court again in November.

Mr Tonkin is the co-owner of The Red Bakery Van, a mobile coffee and pastries van – its Facebook page calls it a “local family business bringing the best mid coast bakery products closer to our community with love”.