Jacob Stephen Lee from Kempsey arrested, charged, in court for sexual intercourse with teen

A Mid-North Coast man who according to police has an “ongoing predilection” for young girls has been denied bail after being charged with several counts of having sex with a teen.

Kempsey Courthouse.

A Mid-North Coast man who according to police has an “ongoing predilection” for young girls has been denied bail after being charged with several counts of having sex with a teen.

Jacob Stephen Lee appeared before Kempsey Local Court on Wednesday remanded in custody and charged with three counts of having sexual intercourse with a child between 14 and 16.

He was arrested about 5.30pm on Tuesday and has not entered a formal plea to any of the charges.

The alleged offending occurred in the region between February and March in 2022.

Kempsey Police Station. Picture: Janine Watson.

His lawyer Matthew Lindeman argued Lee should be released on bail as there would be significant delays as the case moved through the courts.

Mr Lindeman also told the court Lee had never spent time in custody and had no prior offending of a similar nature to that which is currently alleged.

The 32-year-old would be vulnerable in custody due to his mental health conditions which include anxiety and ADHD Mr Lindeman claimed.

It was heard in court Lee made admissions in relation to a relationship with the teen to her parents but denied it was sexual in nature.

The police prosecutor said if Lee was granted bail, the risk to other young females could not be mitigated.

Magistrate Juliana Crofts told the court the case against Lee was not a weak one and denied bail.

The case is adjourned to February 6.

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