Donald Keysell to fight sexual and indecent assault charges relating to two Hunter Valley girls
A former Newcastle man, accused of sexual and indecent assault of two young girls in the Hunter, has been granted bail with a number of health concerns highlighted.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A former Newcastle man accused of the historical sexual and indecent assault of two young girls in the Hunter, has been granted bail.
A court heard on Wednesday, Donald John Keysell, 60, had a number of health concerns and found his two months in custody since his arrest, “extremely confronting”.
“He suffers depression and anxiety and is not receiving any treatment in custody,” Keysell’s solicitor said.
The court heard he suffered from hypertension, chronic pain from osteoarthritis, issues with his heart and mental health issues.
She said her client, who was living in South Australia, was not a risk and intended to fight the allegations.
“The offences are historical in nature, eight, nine years, and there is a potential possibility of evidence being tainted or collusion,” she added.
“He has overwhelming support in the community, is a man of excellent character and family members are willing to put up a $10,000 deposit for his release.”
In December 2018, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad investigated reports a girl was sexually assaulted by a man known to her while she was in his care.
There was also another report a second girl had been indecently assaulted by the man while she was in his care.
Police allege Keysell sexually assaulted a girl – aged between seven and eight – on two occasions and indecently assaulted a second girl – aged between nine and 10 – both in the Hunter region.
He was arrested in Port Pirie on December 9, before being extradited to NSW two days later.
In Cessnock Local Court, sitting at Newcastle, the prosecution opposed bail, citing the possibility he could interfere with witnesses involved in the matter.
But Magistrate Andrew Millar said while the offences were serious, Keysell had no criminal history and it was apparent from a plethora of material he had strong community ties.
“Cause has been shown why his detention is not justified,” Magistrate Millar said.
“If it goes to hearing, he could stay in custody for 12-18 months.
“I am satisfied there is adequate conditions that can be put in place.”
Keysell was granted bail with conditions he must surrender his passport, reside at a Lurnea address in Sydney, report four times a week, not go to Cessnock, Kurri Kurri or Maitland or have any unsupervised contact with children.
His next court date is yet to be confirmed.