Townsville Magistrates Court: Ex-army arrested for rape, assault against children charges

A man accused of raping and filming children in what was described as the “gravest allegations” has applied for bail after being arrested for the alleged offences on the weekend.

Generic photo, Townsville Court House. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A man who is accused of raping and assaulting at least two children has made a bid for freedom after being arrested over the weekend.

The 48-year-old, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the children involved, appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning after he had been charged with nine counts of rape and 14 counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 of lineal descendant.

Police prosecutor Catherine Elkins said the alleged offending was “extremely serious” and she opposed the bail claiming the man posed an “unacceptable risk” of endangering the alleged victims.

The court was told the alleged victims were two young girls.

Magistrate Rhianna Lee told the court there was a possible third child suspected to have been offended against however those charges had not been finalised, she also said the alleged offending had occurred between January 1, 2020 and September 30, 2024.

Senior constable Elkins said prosecution also believed the man would potentially interfere with evidence if granted bail as when police uncovered mobiles, USBs and laptops he started destroying them.

“He has made attempts to conceal and prevent evidence being brought to light,” she said.

The prosecutor added there were concerns for the man’s mental health as he had made admissions to having suicidal thoughts and the proposed bail address for the man, he would reside at alone and not have the support of family who were away.

Defence lawyer Carly Hoyer from Legal Aid Queensland said she understood the details of the case to involve the “gravest of allegations” but believed prosecution failed to prove he was an unacceptable risk.

She proposed the man’s bail conditions include a residential address located five hours away from Townsville and a no contact condition to prohibit him from communicating with the alleged victims and witnesses.

His lawyer told the court he served seven years in the army and was medically discharged in 2000, and had no criminal history.

“He’s never previously been on bail, there’s nothing to say he can’t comply with conditions,” Ms Hoyer said.

Magistrate Lee said the allegations were “detailed” and the evidence appeared “strong” against the man and ultimately bail was refused.

The man who stood in the dock shook his head.

Her Honour adjourned the charges to February 21, 2025 in Townsville Magistrates Court.

Originally published as Townsville Magistrates Court: Ex-army arrested for rape, assault against children charges