Predator refused bail after allegedly attempting to procure children for sex in inner west
A convicted child sex offender has been refused bail after being charged with attempting to procure children for sex at a park in Marrickville in broad daylight.
A convicted child sex offender was refused bail after being charged with attempting to procure children for sex and assaulting police in the inner west.
Police allege Geoffrey Breasley was intoxicated when he approached two children aged under 14 in Domino’s Pizza on Marrickville Rd on Wednesday.
The encounter, which occurred in broad daylight around 3pm, was captured on CCTV.
It is also alleged the 46-year-old also approached and threatened children at nearby Jarvie Park.
He has also been charged with assaulting and intimidating police whom he allegedly spat on and kicked as they arrested him.
At Burwood Court on Thursday, Magistrate Alison Viney refused bail due to the “serious charges involving approaches to a number of children” in the suburb where Mr Breasley lives in a boarding house.
“Certainly the criminal history is lengthy and consistent in terms of personal violence offences and some matters relating to prior indecent assaults on younger people,” Magistrate Viney said.
“The offender was highly intoxicated when he approached the children … but the children are of an age where they have provided a comprehensive statement of facts.”
Mag Viney noted he had previously served custodial sentences in 2013 and prior to that.
She was not satisfied bail conditions could mitigate his risk to the public given these previous convictions and the “seriousness of these allegations … especially when he resides in an area where the offences were committed”.
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Mr Breasley appeared expressionless but uncomfortable in the dock as he shifted in his seat.
Police prosecutor Ernest Chan told the court there were “unacceptable risks” that he would commit further offences and pose a risk to the victims and the public generally if he were released.
“The offences occurred in a public place with a number of witnesses and the offences of assaulting police were witnessed by a number of police,” Sergeant Chan said.
“He also has a history of failing to comply with bail acknowledgments.
“Given these offences were committed by a man who is also a convicted sexual offender, I submit that any conditions imposed by the court would not be effective.”
Mr Breasley was charged with three counts of procure child under 14 for sexual activity, two counts of assault police, intimidate police, stalking and intimidation and offensive behaviour.
He was also charged over being a convicted child sex offender loitering near a public place.
Mr Breasley’s legal aid lawyer argued he had not been before the court since 2017.
She suggested he could abide by a curfew that would require him to stay indoors at his Francis St home between 6am and 8pm, report daily to Marrickville police station and not consume alcohol or drugs unless prescribed by a doctor.
This would prevent him from being outdoors during the day when children are “available”, she said.
But Magistrate Viney was satisfied he needed to remain in custody and he is due to appear via videolink on May 1.
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