Matthew Ellis Atkins charged for allegedly having child abuse material

A Tweed Heads father had a “vigilante”motivation for allegedly possessing child abuse material, his lawyer has told a court.

A Tweed Heads man allegedly found with child abuse material has been granted bail with strict conditions.

Matthew Ellis Atkins, 49, appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday.

He faces one count of possessing child abuse material.

Defence lawyer Tom Ivey applied for bail for Mr Atkins.

Mr Ivey said his client was likely to plead guilty to the alleged offending.

He told the court his client had a “vigilante” motivation for allegedly possessing the material and had no broader interest in it.

Mr Ivey said police had performed a search on February 25 before Mr Atkins was arrested several weeks later, well aware of what was on the devices searched.

Mr Ivey said his client had a mortgage and two dogs at home.

He said Mr Atkins was in a new relationship where his partner was planning to move to the country.

He said Mr Atkins also had no criminal history.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Martin opposed bail and said based on the seriousness on the police facts, Mr Atkins would likely be spending time in custody.

Mr Atkins was granted bail with strict conditions including to report to police three times a week, surrender his passport and not apply for a new one, not leave the country, not be alone with anyone under 16 with exception of his own children and to be of good behaviour.

His matter is back before the court on March 21.