Casino man Michael Anstee, 85, behind bars after raid, alleged material seized
An elderly Northern Rivers man facing a maximum of three years behind bars for alleged bestiality and child abuse material charges has been refused bail after a police raid on a property.
An elderly man facing a maximum of three years behind bars for alleged bestiality and child abuse material charges has been refused bail after a police raid on a Casino property.
A bail court heard late last week police “seized certain items of material” before arresting Michael Robert Anstee, 85, and charging him with possessing bestiality material and producing child abuse material on November 20, 2024.
“Mr Anstee needs to seek out and possess child abuse material,” Police Prosecutor Sergeant Adam Young told Bail Court Division 1.
“He’s accessing social media in conflict with bail conditions,” Mr Young said.
Anstee’s solicitor Rodney Behan told the court while his client had breached his bail conditions there was no alleged offence arising from the access.
Mr Behan sought bail citing Anstee’s age, a “potential cognitive impairment”, and scarring from a recent major surgery.
Anstee in total faces 13 charges of possessing bestiality material and two counts of producing child abuse material.
When considering bail on August 8, Magistrate Karen Stafford told the court there was an “unacceptable risk” to the community.
“These are offences that are against very vulnerable members of society,” Ms Stafford said.
She revoked his previous bail and refused the bail request from Mr Behan in the bail court.
Pleas are yet to be entered.
Anstee returns to Casino court on October 10.
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