Hunter school teacher fronts Maitland Local Court charged over possession of child abuse material
A Hunter school teacher accused of possessing child abuse material has had his identity suppressed with a court hearing there could be a danger to the alleged victim or witnesses.
Newcastle
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A Hunter school teacher accused of possessing child abuse material has had his identity suppressed with a court hearing there could be a danger to the alleged victim or potential witnesses.
Port Stephens Hunter Police launched an investigation in early December following reports a young male teacher was in possession of the material before detectives raided a Hunter school and seized several devices for forensic examination.
The man in his early 20s was arrested at Maitland Police Station on December 13 and charged with possessing child abuse material before being granted strict conditional bail.
He fronted Maitland Local Court on Wednesday – represented by solicitor Drew Hamilton – who wanted the matter adjourned for four weeks for his client to then enter a plea.
The court heard the matter would stay in the local court and be kicked back to Raymond Terrace to be heard.
Mr Hamilton also made an application for a non-publication order to suppress his client’s name and details and said a person identified in the “one image” related to his occupation, posing a danger and risk of identifying that person.
He said the order would not only be to protect his client and family but also the young complainant and potential witnesses, given it was a small town and there was “other chatter about other conduct” which related to his employment.
Mr Hamilton further pressed it could pose a danger and safety risk for anyone that could be involved in proceedings.
He asked for the order to stand until the matter was finalised, but despite Magistrate Ian Rodgers saying there was some grounds to grant that, he instead imposed an interim order until the next court date on February 10.
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