Brendon James Brooks, 45, charged with possessing child abuse material and childlike sex doll at Morpeth

Police were taken aback by the call to check out a man dancing and singing next to a line of candles outside a small country town church just after lunch. But what they allegedly found next was even more troubling.

Brendon James Brooks was arrested by police on George St at Morpeth and later charged over possessing child abuse material and a child-like sex doll. Picture: Supplied.

It was a call from some concerned residents in a small Hunter town which immediately raised the eyebrows of police – a stranger who had parked himself out the front of the local Catholic church who was dancing around a small statue he had adorned with diamontes and candles.

But officers will allege what they discovered after dramatically tackling Brendon James Brooks to the ground – after the 45-year-old told them he had a knife – would be even more troubling.

Inside his car, parked on George St in quaint little Morpeth, on the banks of the Hunter River, were suitcases full of sex toys, mannequins and what police will allege was a childlike sex doll complete with Barbie underwear.

It was about 1.3pm on May 3 when local police received the call from a resident telling them of their concerns for the welfare of the man who had spent a considerable amount of time on the nature strip out the front of the Immaculate Conception Morpeth Church.

“At the scene, police attempted to speak with a man near a parked car when he revealed he was in possession of a knife,” police said in a statement.

Some of the items allegedly seized by police during the arrest at Morpeth. Picture: Supplied.

“The man was arrested following a brief struggle.”

Photographs of the alleged struggle show at least one resident assisting in holding down Brooks while he was placed in handcuffs.

Police allegedly seized knives, several suitcases, multiple petrol cans and other items. Picture: Supplied.

Police then went about searching his car, where they allegedly seized knives, a computer, hard drives and “other items of interest”.

The other items included several suitcases which contained sex toys, women’s clothing and partial doll-like mannequins, some wearing Barbie underpants.

“The 45-year-old man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with two counts of possess child abuse material, possess childlike sex doll or other object, custody of knife in public place, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty,” police said in the statement.

Brooks faced Newcastle Bail Court the following day where he was remanded in custody.

Brendon James Brooks is held with his head on the ground as two residents - one standing up and the second holding Brooks’ legs - assist police. Picture: Supplied.

At a further appearance in Maitland Local Court on July 3, Brooks was again not required to enter any pleas and did not apply for bail.

He will face court again on July 31.