Gary Lipman: Hawkesbury man charged over alleged child grooming
A child sex offender has been hauled back to court after allegedly trying to groom a young boy for sex. The 74-year-old man has been listed on the Child Protection Register for almost 20 years, a court heard.
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An elderly man on the child sex offender’s register living in Sydney’s north-west has been charged over allegedly grooming a child for sex.
Gary Lipman, 74, has been listed on the Child Protection Register for almost 20 years and was last month hit with charges relating to alleged child grooming and breaching his orders.
The Bligh Park man faced Penrith Local Court on Thursday, charged with grooming a child under 14 for unlawful sexual activity, contravening a prohibition order and failing to comply with reporting obligations.
Police allege Mr Lipman had provided material benefit to a young boy with the intention of procuring him for unlawful sexual activity.
Court documents showed Mr Lipman faced a further charge of approaching or actively seeking the company of a child under 18, which he is banned from doing so under the order.
It is further alleged that he failed to comply with his reporting obligations as a registered child sex offender between January 1 and July 16.
Mr Lipman appeared via audio-visual link for yesterday’s court appearance, wearing a mask and muttering to himself on screen.
The court heard he had been the subject of strict conditions since being listed on the child protection register in 2002.
In applying for bail, his defence solicitor told the court Mr Lipman suffered a range of health issues, including heart problems and mobility issues, which were complicated by the risk of him contracting COVID-19 in custody.
Arguing for bail, the defence said Mr Lipman would be able to report to Hawkesbury Police by travelling into town on his mobility scooter.
The court heard Mr Lipman had shown difficulties in engaging with his solicitor, but asserted he did not have dementia.
Magistrate Brian van Zuylen refused bail, stating there would be an “unacceptable risk” to community safety if he was released.
“The court notes these are very serious breaches of a child protection order that has been in place for many years,” Magistrate van Zuylen said.
The matter will return to court later this month.