South Burnett man accused of raping 8yo boy is released on bail

A South Burnett man charged with two counts of rape and one of indecent treatment of a child has been released from police custody, despite police stating concerns about his ability to influence witnesses.

A South Burnett man accused of raping an 8-year-old boy has been granted bail after a magistrate determined he was at low risk of reoffending or failing to appear.

The man, aged in his 20s, is charged with two counts of rape and one of indecent treatment of a child under 12.

Police prosecutor Barry Stevens told Murgon Magistrates Court police the serious nature of the allegation and the man’s two prior convictions for failing to appear could make him a risk of not attending future court dates.

The arresting officer also noted a concern the man could exert undue influence on witnesses if bailed, Sergeant Stevens told the court.

Defence lawyer Mark Oliver said the matter was likely to take an inordinate amount of time, which could put the defendant at risk of spending a long period of time in pre-sentence custody.

“If he is convicted, then obviously there will be a jail term imposed, however it's only an allegation at the moment,” he said.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair granted bail, making one of the conditions he reside outside the South Burnett region and have no contact with the alleged victim or witnesses.

He is due to front Murgon Magistrates Court again on August 31.