Music teacher charged with child grooming back in court

There has been a delay in the case proceeding further until the end of the year.

A Mackay music teacher is accused of child grooming during private lessons.

OUTSTANDING documents have delayed the case against a Mackay music teacher accused of grooming a child during private lessons.

It cannot progress further until the end of the year.

The 39 year old is charged with four offences allegedly committed between January last year and June this year at a home studio in Mackay.

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It is alleged the man, who has not been named in case it identified the child involved, groomed a child under 16 years old with intent to procure engagement in a sexual act, used a carriage service to engage in or submit to sexual activity with the child and two counts of indecent treatment including exposing the child to an indecent film.

The case was briefly mentioned in Mackay Magistrates Court this morning.

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The man did not appear and his lawyer, Geoff Govey of Taylors Solicitors, spoke on his behalf.

Mr Govey said the case had been set down for a committal mention and would most likely proceed as a registry committal.

Because of the type of charges involved, this case must be heard in the district court.

Prosecutor Chelsea Pearson said there were still some evidentiary certificates outstanding and they were not expected to be available until at least November 23.

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Ms Pearson applied for the brief due date to be extended.

The court heard the brief of evidence had been due by July 29.

“There has traditionally been a problem with these being provided with that sort of time frame … defence doesn’t blame prosecutions, it’s nothing of their doing,” Mr Govey said.

The case was adjourned until December 7 for mention.

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