James Harford: Summer Hill man facing procuring child charge

A tip-off by a member of the public has resulted in a sweeping raid and a man on the child protection register being charged with allegedly trying to procure a minor for sex.

A Sydney man will spend Christmas behind bars after allegedly trying to procure a teenager for sex over the internet in Sydney’s inner west.

Summer Hill man James Harford was arrested outside his home on Tuesday morning in the middle of a sweeping AFP raid after they received reports of his alleged communications with the minor.

Harford, who was already on the child protection register, briefly fronted Burwood Local Court on Tuesday afternoon and made no bail application.

The 37-year-old came to the attention of authorities earlier this month when a tip was called in by a member of the public regarding Harford’s alleged contact with a child.

AFP arresting Summer Hill man James Harford.

Police will allege Harford was attempting to procure the child for sex and transmitted “indecent communications” to them in the process.

Vision of the arrest shows a long-haired Harford being placed inside the back of a police wagon shoeless and in handcuffs.

“This outcome shows that the AFP, working with the broader community, can make a difference to protect children and ensure suspected offenders are put before the courts,” AFP Acting Sergeant Amanda Thompson said.

He will spend Christmas behind bars after not applying for bail in court at Burwood.

Harford has been charged with one count each of procuring a minor for sex, using a carriage service for indecent communication with a minor, contravening a prohibition under the child protection act and failing to comply with reporting conditions.

The penalty for the procuring a minor charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years in jail, if convicted.

Court records show Harford’s case was briefly mentioned before Magistrate Lisa Stapleton where it was adjourned to be heard again in early 2022.

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