Rape accused football coach, Jamie William Anthony Hall granted bail

A sports coach alleged to have groomed and raped a young girl will be released into the community, the same day police charged him with additional child-abuse related offences.

Rape accused football coach, Jamie William Anthony Hall granted bail.

A football coach accused of abusing his position of authority to groom, stalk and rape a young girl has been granted bail and will be released on “strict” conditions.

Jamie William Anthony Hall did not appear for his bail application result as he had been taken to hospital with chest pains on Thursday morning, according to the magistrate.

Mr Hall has been charged with rape, indecent treatment of a child, stalking and grooming, and was further charged with fresh offences of possessing child exploitation material.

The girl’s family who were present in court to hear the outcome said they were “unimpressed” and “unhappy” with the decision.

It has been alleged the 26-year-old tracked the 13-year-old girl using a mobile device and “coerced” her to meet up with him before raping her.

Mr Hall’s bail application began on Wednesday in Townsville Magistrates Court submitted by defence lawyer Tom Hancock and was opposed by police, however following an adjournment, Magistrate Richard Lehmann said he would grant the man bail.

His Honour said the man was “entitled” to bail despite there being a “very strong” police case against him and that “strict” bail conditions would reduce the likelihood of the man committing further alleged offences.

Magistrate Lehmann told the court Mr Hall had no criminal history and that the child victim had already provided statements and “evidence in chief” to police so there was no risk of the accused interfering with the case.

“As I understand, police investigations have not turned up other alleged victims,” His Honour said.

He did note that Mr Hall was confronted by the girl’s sister in a phone call where he referred to himself as a “f--king idiot” and had since not contacted the alleged victim.

His Honour imposed bail conditions that included Mr Hall not attend any sporting events, to have no contact with the girl or her family, he must remain a certain distance from the girl’s home and workplace, all passcodes to his mobile must be given to police, no social media apps on his phone and a reporting condition that will see him attend the police station twice a week.

Magistrate Lehmann ordered a brief of evidence and adjourned the charges to April 23, Mr Hall’s appearance is not required.

Originally published as Rape accused football coach, Jamie William Anthony Hall granted bail