Tevita Fine denied bail again after allegedly offering child cash for sex on Sydney train

A father accused of offering a girl $50 for sex on a Sydney train has been denied bail a second time, despite pleading to return home after his wife gave birth.

Liverpool Local Court, where Tevita Fine was denied bail. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

A father accused of offering a girl $50 for sex and intimidating her on a Sydney train has been denied bail a second time, despite his pleas that he be allowed to return home after his wife gave birth.

Tevita Fine, 25, faced Liverpool Local Court on Monday, when he applied for bail on charges of procuring a child under 14 for unlawful sexual activity, intentionally sexually touching a child between 10 and 16, common assault and intimidation.

The Campbelltown man, who arrived in Australia two years ago on a temporary visa, is yet to enter pleas and has been in custody since he presented himself to police almost three months ago.

Monday was the second time he had applied for bail on these charges, with Campbelltown Local Court previously hearing allegations he had approached a 12-year-old girl in a train carriage on July 13 and touched her knee before offering her cash to have sex with him.

The girl allegedly told Fine her age and eventually had to “seek refuge” from him by moving carriages, the Campbelltown court heard.

Tevita Fine has been accused of sexually touching a child on a train in July. Picture: NewsWire / David Swift

On Monday, Fine’s lawyer argued a “major change in circumstances” had occurred, telling the court the 25-year-old’s wife had recently given birth and needed his support.

Fine’s lawyer also claimed her client had been assaulted “multiple times” in custody.

When magistrate Imad Abdul-Karim questioned whether there was “any evidence of assault in custody”, she replied: “No, they were my instructions … I acknowledge this is what has been told to me by Mr Fine and (I have) no further evidence.”

Fine’s lawyer also acknowledged the “serious nature” of the charges but argued her client’s lack of criminal record and strict bail conditions, including a ban on having contact with children unless another adult was present, would mitigate any risks.

But the prosecution opposed bail, saying the court knew of Fine’s partner’s pregnancy when he first applied for bail and arguing it was “not relevant”.

Mr Abdul-Karim said even if Fine was granted bail, he would most likely be taken to immigration detention because his alleged offences may be deemed a violation of the terms of his temporary visa.

“Being granted bail will pose an unacceptable risk,” Mr Abdul-Karim said.

Following the decision, Fine asked the magistrate, through a Tongan interpreter: “What about my family, your honour?”

“I understand the dilemma, but unfortunately I have refused bail,” Mr Abdul-Karim replied.

Fine will remain on remand at Long Bay Correctional Centre until the matter returns to court at a later date.