James William Liet applied for review of bail, charged with multiple child sex offences

A man who allegedly sexually abused a high school student multiple times wanted to be bailed “very close” to a school, with his lawyer saying he’s not a risk to children.

A father who allegedly sexually abused a high school student multiple times is at “no real risk” to children now he knows the age of consent, a court heard.

James William Liet, 50, applied for a review of bail in the Supreme Court on Monday, after he allegedly preyed on a teenage girl.

Justice Tim Stanley said the proposed home detention address was “very close” to a primary school.

William Marsh, for Mr Liet, agreed but said it was difficult to find an address that wasn’t close to a school.

“The allegations relate to a much older child, being a 16-year-old, and Mr Liet instructs and told this to police, that he thought the age of consent was 16,” he said.

“So in my submission there is no real risk to children of younger ages.

“I make that submission in relation to children of all ages, now that Mr Liet is aware of the age of consent being 17.”

Mr Liet was denied bail by Magistrate Simon Smart last month, due to the gravity of the alleged offending.

Mr Smart said if Mr Liet was convicted of the offences, it was “almost inevitable” it would attract a jail term.

The court previously heard Mr Liet had made admissions in his police interview to a variety of sexual acts with a 16-year-old girl, including fellatio and sexual intercourse.

Mr Liet, of O’Sullivan Beach, is charged with four counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and communicating to make a child amenable to sexual activity. He is yet to enter any pleas.

James Liet applied for review of bail, charged with multiple child sex offences. Photo: File

Mr Marsh previously told the court some of Mr Liet’s admissions to police were taken out of context and the charges would be contested.

The court heard Mr Liet was the sole carer of his two daughters, who had gone into the care of his eldest daughter while he’s been in custody.

Mr Marsh said while the alleged offending occurred in March, Mr Liet wasn’t arrested until August.

“The mother of the complainant discovers text messages between the two and that’s how (the alleged offending) comes to the attention of police,” he said.

Mr Marsh said Mr Liet was a schizophrenic which was difficult for him while in custody.

Ceit Deane, for the prosecution, told the Supreme Court on Monday they were opposed to any form of bail for Mr Liet.

Ms Deane said if Mr Liet was granted bail, they would ask for a condition he not be allowed within 100m of the alleged victim’s southern suburbs high school.

Justice Stanley adjourned the application until next week so Mr Marsh could find another suitable address.