Alleged child sex offender granted bail to Iluka caravan park

Following a bail review the man was permitted to live in the caravan park despite its popularity among young families.

A 68-year-old man accused of multiple child sex offences has been permitted to live in a caravan park, despite its popularity among young families.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced Tweed Heads Local Court on November 12 for a bail review to change his address.

He faces three counts of sexual intercourse with person under age of 10 years.

The request to change his address to a caravan park in Iluka was objected to by the prosecution due to its popularity with families during the holiday season.

Defence lawyer Megan Cusack told the court the allegations against her client involved a single female relative between 2006 and 2010 which would be no reason to raise concerns about a danger to other people.

Ms Cusack said her client had no prior offending and no offending since the allegations and he should be allowed to live in the place he nominated.

The police prosecutor told the court the caravan park was an inappropriate location for the man to reside due to families visiting on weekends and during the holidays.

Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy questioned the prosecution on what restrictions would apply to a convicted child sex offender who was on the register, which she replied they would need to inform police of their address and any other person living in the house.

“It seems strange someone convicted would have less restrictions than someone charged,” Mr Dunlevy said.

He noted the man’s bail conditions already restricted him from being in contact with children without another adult present.

Mr Dunlevy granted the change of address on the basis the man had no criminal history, the allegations were historical and no further complainants had come forward.

The man’s matter was adjourned to January 14, 2022 with a case conference to be held by November 16.