Robert Barber: Trangie man seeks bail after being charged with possessing child abuse material

A Trangie man who allegedly possessed child abuse photographs has sought bail in Dubbo Local Court, despite the prosecution’s concerns his release may “sexually endanger” the community.

A Trangie man who is alleged to have possessed child abuse photographs sought bail in Dubbo Local Court on Thursday.

Robert Barber, 39, was brought to the courtroom from the cells after he was arrested about 1.37pm on August 31 and charged with possessing child abuse material.

The court heard from the police prosecutor who raised concerns that if Barber were to be released from custody there was the possibility of “sexually endangering the community,“ revealing that more charges may be laid in the coming weeks.

He conceded these risks could be mitigated if “strict bail conditions” were enforced which would reduce the risk Barber poses to the community, noting any use of social media should be prohibited.

Robert Barber was released on bail in Dubbo Local Court on Thursday.

The court heard from Barber’s lawyer Ms Howe who accepted the prosecutor’s submission, saying her client was willing to accept not using a phone that could connect to the internet.

She highlighted Barber’s support from his mother, who was in attendance in court, saying she was willing to assist her son in obtaining a phone “without internet connection”.

Ms Howe told the court Barber had been diagnosed with autism, and was receiving ongoing support from the NDIS. She said he had strong community ties, volunteering one day a week in Trangie.

Given the charges, Ms Howe told Magistrate Stephen Olischlager her client was willing to not be in the presence of a person under the age of 18 unless another adult was present, along with any necessary reporting to Trangie Police Station.

Ultimately, Mr Olischlager was satisfied with the defence’s submissions, saying bail concerns could be appropriately mitigated, without the need to impose any reporting conditions.

The matter was adjourned to September 15.