Matthew Van Herp: Waverley man charged with procuring girl by Strike Force Trawler
An alleged child sex pest, charged with engaging in sexually explicit conversations with who he believed was a 14-year-old girl, has tried to shake off media attention by claiming he was at court for jury duty.
Southern Courier
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An alleged child sex pest, charged with engaging in sexually explicit conversations with who he believed was a 14-year-old girl, has tried to shake off media attention by claiming he was at court for jury duty.
Matthew John Van Herp, of Waverley, was charged with using a carriage service to procure a minor for sexual activity following a month-long investigation by the NSW Police Force child exploitation unit.
Police allege the 32-year-old man made arrangements to meet the fictitious teenage girl, leading to his arrest at Westmead in September.
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In Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson explained to an unrepresented Van Herp the police brief of evidence detailing the crux of the allegations would be served on him directly in the new year.
The eastern suburbs man was encouraged to get legal advice when the matter returns to court in January.
When photographed leaving court, the man claimed he had jury duty.
If convicted, Van Herp faces a maximum penalty of 15 years jail.