Sheldon Mark Ellem charged after allegedly approaching children at Red Rock near Coffs Harbour in northern NSW

A man who allegedly tried to lure kids into his car with lollies at a small coastal town in the state’s north has made a plea for bail. His mum is a lawyer who can help him with his case, the court heard.

It’s alleged Ellem used lollies to try to lure children to his vehicle.

Police allege a man tried to lure children into his car with lollies at a small coastal town near Coffs Harbour.

Sheldon Mark Ellem has made a plea for bail and Coffs Harbour Local Court has heard his mother is a lawyer who can help with his case.

Ellem was arrested after handing himself in at the Coffs Harbour Police Station on Monday night following alleged offending at Red Rock on the Coffs Coast.

The small Coffs Coast village of Red Rock.

He has been charged with three counts of stalking and intimidation intending to cause fear of physical harm. Ellem also faces a disqualified driving charge.

He faced the court over videolink on Tuesday and his lawyer made an application for Ellem to be released on bail.

The court was told Ellem would be vulnerable in custody due to his “Aboriginality and his youth”.

Ellem was living with his aunt at Woolgoolga at the time of the alleged offending.

The court was told Ellem’s mum was a Tasmanian lawyer who could assist with the case.

Bail was opposed by the prosecution.

A police prosecutor told the court allegations were very serious and Ellem purchased lollies to lure children, showing a level of planning.

Red Rock. Picture: Emily Burley/Coffs Coast Advocate

Magistrate Theresa Hamilton said the allegations were “very concerning”.

But Ellem appeared to have no history of offences against children on record, she said.

Police issued an appeal for information after the alleged offending on the afternoon of Thursday, April 4.

Police state two girls, aged 10, were leaving a shop on Lawson St, Red Rock when a man, now alleged to be Ellem, gestured at them to approach about 4pm. The girls ignored him and walked away.

Police allege Ellem hid in bushland at Little Beach, Red Rock.

About 4.45pm, a nine-year-old girl and seven-year-old boy were walking along Park St when it’s alleged Elllem pulled up in a vehicle and spoke to them.

The children ran away and police allege Ellem tried to approach and speak to them again before they fled.

Police allege he was then seen hiding in bushland at Little Beach about 5.15pm and officers were notified.

Coffs/Clarence police investigated and issued a statement looking for the culprit.

Police said the man appeared to be aged in his 30s with black hair.

Officers also alleged the man was linked to a grey Toyota HiLux utility with Tasmanian registration K54YU.

Ms Hamilton granted Ellem bail to report daily to Woolgoolga Police Station. He was also ordered to stay away from children and from the Reflections holiday park at Red Rock.

The case was adjourned to April 24.

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