Alleged Sarina rapist suffers stroke, Mackay court hears

An alleged rapist faces 20 serious charges but now the case is in limbo.

A man charged with exposing himself and filming children under the age of 12 had a warrant for his arrest postponed after a stroke left him with physical and mental limitations.

A man in his 50s facing sexual abuse and mistreatment allegations has had a warrant for his arrest postponed after suffering a stroke.

The man, living in Sarina, is charged with 20 sexual offences, including three of rape, 16 of indecent treatment of a child under the age of 12 expose, film and permit and one of attempted rape.

No pleas have been entered.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard this week the man was subject to a warrant for his arrest.

However, the court also heard he had suffered a significant stroke after the first mention of the case in November, 2023.

Defence solicitor Antoinette Morton said her client was “not a person who could enter into bail at this time as a consequence of his health circumstances”.

Ms Morton referred to an occupational therapy capacity report about her client which outlined physical limitations and intellectual impairment caused by the stroke.

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan suggested the man could be released into “the custody of somebody”.

Ms Morton said she “can’t even get him here, such is the nature of his abilities”.

The case was previously delayed after it was heard in November 2024 the man was in hospital and in a vegetative state.

Police prosecutor Matt Saunders said the charges the man was facing were “very serious”.

Ms Morton said she would push to have the case referred to the Mental Health Court.

The case was adjourned to May 6 for further mention.

A warrant previously issued for the man was put on hold.