‘You’re going to regret this’: Logan man granted bail following allegations of underage sex

A man charged with carnal knowledge of a minor, who allegedly sent her several threatening messages while out on bail, has been released from custody ahead of his court case.

A Logan man accused of having sexual intercourse with a minor was released on bail at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Tuesday, despite the prosecution’s claim the case against the man was “strong”.

The 20-year-old Acacia Ridge man, who cannot be legally named, has been charged with two counts of carnal knowledge of a child under the age of 16, one count of indecent treatment of a child under the age of 16 and two counts of breaching bail conditions.

The court heard “it was a complicated case” in which the alleged victim was the younger sister of the man’s former partner, with whom he had a child.

The charges allegedly took place on May 16 and 17, 2020 at Edens Landing and the man was initially granted bail following an interview with police.

While on bail, however, the man reached out to the alleged victim and sent her several threatening messages on June 11 and June 18, 2020.

The man has been held in custody for close to a year.

“Your family is going to regret this,” said one such message, as read to the court by police prosecutor sergeant Tim Wise.

The messages breached the man’s no contact bail condition and he was taken into custody, where he has remained on remand for the last 318 days.

Barrister Andrew Bale of AW Bale & Son Solicitors told the court his client had been in pre-sentence custody for longer than the sentence he would likely receive should he be found guilty in the district court.

“It’s a strong case and I’m led to believe it will ultimately lead to a sentence,” Mr Wise said.

“The fact he’s served that period of time means he has well and truly done his time on what the likely sentence will be.

“Hopefully he’s had the time to cool down and realise what the consequences are of breaching bail while on such a serious charge.”

The Magistrate acknowledged “there is a risk that the defendant may further offend if we grant bail” but said he must consider the significant time spent in custody.

The man was granted bail on the condition he not contact the victim nor her family members, report to police once a week and reside at an address at Acacia Ridge.

His case is scheduled for a registry committal to the higher court on June 16 at Beenleigh Magistrates Court.