Robert James Pearce, 40, charged after alleged attempted meet-up with ‘14-year-old girl’
A middle-aged man allegedly trying to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex tried to break his phone in half when police pounced, a court has heard.
Police & Courts
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A southern suburbs man who allegedly believed he was meeting a teen girl for sex tried to break his phone in half when he was pounced upon by police at the Christies Beach train station, a court has heard.
Robert James Pearce, 40, appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Thursday via video link, charged with communicating with a child to make them amenable to sexual activity
Magistrate Natalie Browne heard online covert officers made contact with Mr Pearce on Facebook – acting under the assumed identity of a 14-year-old girl.
Prosecution alleged that over a period of time, Mr Pearce sent “numerous pictures of his crotch” and “asked for her to send him “sexy pics”.
“Throughout the images the defendant sends, he sends photos where you can see distinct tattoos and some of these pictures exposed his penis,” they said.
“This goes on for about a month, Your Honour, before the defendant makes arrangements to meet this 14-year-old girl at the Christies Beach train station.
“The defendant attends the location and he is approached by police. When he sees police, he attempts to break his phone in half.
“Police are opposed to bail, Your Honour, on the serious nature of this crime and the protection of the community from him.”
Mr Pearce was arrested about 12.30pm on Wednesday when detectives from the Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team attended the train station.
He was granted bail in the amount of $2000, however prosecution appealed Ms Browne’s decision and he was remanded in custody for a further 72 hours.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Lyons said he was “extremely proud” of the arrest.
“Our officers are highly trained to detect and apprehend predators who target our vulnerable,” Chief Inspector Lyons said.
“I am extremely proud of the tireless work our officers continue to do and the outcomes they achieve.”
Anyone with information that may assist is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or call 1800 333 000.
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