Joshua Stevens: Lake Cathie RFS firefighter allegedly raped 14-year-old in Double Bay

A Rural Fire Service volunteer charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl in 2016, when he was aged 18, has asked the court to change his bail conditions so he can join firefighting efforts this summer.

Joshua Stevens appeared at Downing Centre Local Court on September 14.

A Rural Fire Service volunteer charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl in 2016, when he was aged 18, will be able to join firefighting efforts this summer, a court has ruled.

Joshua James Stevens, now 25, appeared at Downing Centre Local Court on September 14 supported by his father when a charge of aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years - was mentioned before magistrate Susan Horan.

Court documents reveal between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on October 28, 2016 at Double Bay, Stevens allegedly “did have sexual intercourse with [the complainant] without her consent, and knowing that she was not consenting to the sexual intercourse, in circumstances of aggravation … that at the time of the offence [the complainant] was … in fact aged 14 years”.

The documents state the Lake Cathie man was apprehended about 6.34am on April 28.

Stevens’ lawyer told the court her client was a member of the Lake Cathie Rural Fire Service (RFS) and she was asking for an amendment to his bail conditions.

Ultimately Magistrate Susan Horan accepted the request which requires Stevens “not to be in the direct company of any child under the age of 16 unless either” of his parents “are present or unless in the company of an adult and while performing duties as a member of … Rural Fire Service”.

Ms Horan said there was no opposition from the DPP or police officer in charge and the unacceptable risks were adequately mitigated.

However she acknowledged the fact sheet was “concerning”, although noting Stevens had no criminal history.

Stevens’ other bail conditions include him having surrendered his passport to the registrar of Port Macquarie Court, not to enter any international airport or other point of departure from Australia.

Stevens must live at a residence in Lake Cathie, and an acceptable person was to enter into a bail security agreement or agreement to forfeit $10,000 if he fails to comply with the bail acknowledgment.

The matter will return to court on October 5.