Northern Rivers child sex offender breaches AVO but discharged due to mental health issues

The 47-year-old man drove just metres away from the protected girl’s house, despite being on bail for numerous child sex offences, the court heard.

The man appeared in Lismore Local Court for controvening a AVO order against the protected victim. ​

A South Lismore man on bail for “numerous child sex offences” has been discharged of a AVO breach despite driving metres past the protected girl’s home.

The 47-year-old man fronted Lismore Local Court on Monday, charged with knowingly contravening an apprehended violence order (AVO) put in place for the protection of his stepdaughter on February 8.

According to court documents, the man was previously charged with three counts of domestic violence related abuse including sexual intercourse with a person under 10 years of age, having sexual intercourse with a child between 10-14 years of age, and intentionally sexually touching a child between 10-16 years of age.

He was placed on conditional bail for those charges on January 10, enforceable until March 10.

Conditions including not breaching an AVO placed on his three stepchildren.

However according to court documents, on February 8, the man was seen driving past the protected stepdaughter’s home.

From there, he stopped at a nearby park though documents note the man didn’t leave his vehicle during this time.

At his Monday court appearance, his lawyer Belinda Claire O’Dwyer submitted material for a section 32 application.

The court heard the man had a support worker and was on the NDIS, due to an acquired brain injury.

Ms O’Dwyer submitted a “comprehensive treatment plan” before Magistrate Jeff Linden and asked for the breach to be discharged.

According to her, he was not aware the girl had moved addresses and therefore, not aware he was breaching the AVO.

According to court documents, the man later told police he had gone to the park to use its public restrooms.

Magistrate Linden accepted the application and discharged the 47-year-old on the basis he comply in all respects with the NDIS plan and take all prescribed medication.

A later August 3 hearing was also revoked.