Newcastle church youth group leader Brett Sorby’s bail variation granted for lower surety amount

Despite attempts to return an alleged sex offender back into custody, a court has agreed a $880K surety would be enough to see him kept from behind bars.

Church youth leader Brett Edward Sorby, who was arrested at his Maryville home on January 12, 2022 was charged with 14 sex offences allegedly committed in the mid-2000s.

Despite attempts to return an alleged sex offender back into custody, a court has agreed a $880,000 surety would be enough to secure his release.

Brett Edward Sorby — a Newcastle church youth group leader charged for the alleged sexual and indecent assault of a teenage girl more than 15 years ago — was granted strict conditional bail in Newcastle Local Court in March if he adhered to a long list of conditions.

One of those conditions was that the 59-year-old’s wife organise to place the couple’s $1 million home up as surety.

Church youth leader Brett Edward Sorby, who was arrested at his Maryville home on January 12, 2022 and charged with 14 sex offences allegedly committed in the mid-2000s.

Despite the total amount unable to be offered up, Sorby was released as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) sought to have him returned to custody, until he could meet the bail conditions.

But a recent bail review listed in the local court last week changed the surety amount to $880,000, which was able to be met, which ensured Sorby was kept from behind bars.

In Newcastle Local Court on Thursday, Magistrate Janine Lacy granted the variation to lower the surety amount as part of Sorby’s bail conditions.

The lengthy list of other conditions remained including that the 59-year-old report daily to police; comply with an 8pm-8am curfew unless in the company of his wife; not to be in the company of anyone under 18 unless accompanied by an adult; not drive a car; not drink alcohol or take drugs; not go within 10km of the town where the victim lived; and not contact or approach any prosecution witnesses.

One of the conditions was that he also not use any mobile phone, ipad, internet service, encryption device or app, such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, Wickr, KIK Messenger, or WeChat.

Sorby was arrested by Newcastle detectives at his Maryville home in January following an investigation into his alleged offending over almost a year in the mid-2000s.

He was slapped with 14 charges, including six counts of aggravated sexual assault – victim aged under 16 years; four counts of aggravated indecent assault and four other charges.

Court documents stated Sorby allegedly sexually assaulted the girl for almost a year.

The documents also stated he had allegedly made sexually explicit remarks to the teenage girl at least twice while committing an act of indecency.

Sorby has yet to enter a plea in relation to the charges and his matters have been adjourned until Wednesday..