Pooraka mechanic Jaiden McManus in court charged with communicating sexually with child

Elite child-protection officers arrested this Pooraka man after online investigations into alleged sexual communication with a child.

A Pooraka man has faced court for the first time charged with a child grooming offence.

On Wednesday, Jaiden McManus, 21, appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court for the first time after his arrest by SA’s elite anti-child exploitation task force.

Jaiden McManus, 21, outside Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Picture: Leah Smith

Mr McManus, an apprentice heavy vehicle mechanic, is yet to enter a plea to one count of communicating to make a child amenable to sexual activity.

It will be alleged Mr McManus engaged in the alleged communications between July 18 and August 15 this year from his home suburb of Pooraka.

After his arrest, South Australian police alleged officers of SA’s Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team – or JACET – attended Mr McManus’ home following online investigations.

Officers forensically seized and examined his electronic devices, which will be subject to further forensic analysis, possibly resulting in further charges being laid.

JACET is a joint taskforce between SA Police and Australian Federal Police specialising in investigating online and contact offences against children.

Casey Isaacs for Mr McManus asked for the matters to be adjourned for charge determination to be made.

Magistrate Edwards Stratton-Smith fixed a new date in the Adelaide Magistrates Court next year.

Mr McManus was remanded on continuing bail.