Man refused bail after allegedly molesting stepdaughter

A 53-year-old man has been refused bail today after he allegedly molested his stepdaughter more than two decades ago.

A 53-year-old man has been refused bail after he allegedly molested his stepdaughter more than two decades ago.

The man who appeared in the Brisbane Magistrate Court on Friday was charged with five counts of indecent treatment of children under 16 and under 12.

Police will allege the offences occurred from September to December in 1999.

Police prosecutor Eddie Fraser told the court the allegations were very serious.

“They can be described as vile, grotesque and abhorrent, brazen, and a gross abuse of a person in a position of power,” Mr Fraser alleged.

“Most serious of those offending is, of course, the carnal knowledge of a child under the age of 12, for which life imprisonment is the maximum penalty”.

Mr Fraser said he opposed bail given the defendant’s extensive criminal history, previous failure to appear and failure to surrender.

“Whilst it’s accepted that no grant of bail is risk free, there is an inherent risk that the defendant will commit further offences, endanger the safety or welfare of the victims, or interfere with witnesses,” he alleged.

The defendant was represented by Patrick O’Donnell from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service.

“He’s going to contest the charges,” Mr O’Donnell said.

“I would like to push for that, obviously in our legal system and he has a presumption of innocence and deserves vigorous defence in respect of the nature of the offences.

“He’s told me that…. it‘s preposterous, he said that it never occurred”.

Mr O’Donnell made an application for bail on the defendant‘s behalf, stating he was happy to wear a GPS tracking anklet and report to the police three times per week.

Acting Magistrate Sue Ganasan said she accepts the defendant has a presumption of innocence but also said the process is “extremely difficult on the victims”.

The defendant attempted to interrupt the Magistrate.

“No, I’m not asking you to chat with me, we’re not having a chat,” she said.

“I‘m making an observation around the fact of what you’re entitled to do, and I’m satisfied that there’s an unacceptable risk that if you’re released on bail, you would not appear and surrender into custody“.

Ms Ganasan refused bail and adjourned the matter to June 6 for committal mention.

The defendant’s appearance is not required.