Michael John Sharp charged with five counts of assault at a Mackay high school

A 50-year-old Queensland father has faced court after he allegedly assaulted five children while trespassing on school grounds. Another person is also facing charges.

Michael John Sharp is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and common assault against five children on school grounds. Photo: Zoe Devenport

A Mackay father has pleaded not guilty to allegations he and others assaulted five children after trespassing on school grounds in the North Mackay area.

Police allege Michael John Sharp entered a Mackay high school on October 16, 2023 and assaulted five children.

It is alleged others were involved in assault three of the children.

The 50 year old is facing three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm while in company and two counts of common assault.

The matter was mentioned in Mackay Magistrates Court on Tuesday when he entered not guilty pleas to all five charges.

Michael John Sharp outside Mackay Courthouse on December 19, 2023. Photo: Zoe Devenport

He is also accused of trespass at a business but Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said the charge needed to be changed because a “school is not a business”.

She said Mr Sharp may need to be recharged under the Education Act, in which unlawful entry of state school premises has a maximum fine of $2356.

Michael John Sharp is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and common assault against five children on school grounds.

Defence lawyer Robert Beamish, of McKay’s Solicitors, said there was also another person facing charges related to the incident, which had not yet been listed for a trial date.

“The brief in that matter is due on January 15 and then there’s a review mention on February 9.

“We were hoping to possibly marry up the charges (for) the logistics of (a trial).”

Ms Hartigan ordered a brief be presented to court by January 15 in order to “work out” how many of the alleged child victims would require prerecorded cross-examination.

Mr Sharp’s matters will return to court for review mention on February 9.