Man faces charges of rape, indecent treatment of child

A Bundaberg man charged with rape and indecent treatment of a child has had to pay $5000 to be released on bail.

An elderly Bundaberg man has been granted bail after being charged with a string of sex offences.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his alleged victim, is accused of 16 counts of sexual abuse including two counts of rape, four counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16, under 12, lineal descendant (permit) and 10 counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16, under 12, lineal descendant.

The accused, who the court heard had no criminal history, appeared before Magistrate Edwina Rowan in Bundaberg Magistrates Court from custody via videolink on Monday where he applied for bail.

Police had lodged an objection to bail, but the accused was granted release on the condition he pay a $5000 surety, not contact the alleged victim and not travel overseas or seek a passport.

He must also reside at a specific address.

An order was also made that the files relating to the charges remain sealed, and not to be opened unless under order from a magistrate.

The man will appear in court again on November 8, 2022.