Richard Veale of Windale refused bail over allegedly sending teenage girl messages of a sexual nature
A Windale man has been “persistent in nature” by allegedly sending a 15-year-old messages of a sexual nature despite being told to stop, a court has heard.
Newcastle
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A court has heard how a Windale man was “persistent in nature” in allegedly sending a 15-year-old girl constant messages despite being told to stop.
Richard Phillip Veale, 45, was arrested at his Windale home last week where Newcastle detectives seized two mobile phones for forensic examination.
Police were investigating Veale following reports a teenage girl had been sent messages of a sexual nature by a man known to her.
He was charged with use carriage service to menace/harass/offend, groom a child for unlawful sexual activity and a serious charge of use carriage service to groom a child under 16 years for sex, which will head to the district court.
In Newcastle Local Court on Monday, Veale appeared via video link as his solicitor Mansell Laidler made an application for bail.
“He’s never been in custody before, he has a mental health disorder of bipolar,” Mr Laidler said.
“He needs to be able to access his medication.”
Mr Laidler said his client intended to plead not guilty to the charges and that facts were in dispute.
But the prosecution opposed bail citing it would endanger the safety of the alleged victim if he were to be released.
“It’s a strong case given the phones seized by police and the evidence obtained,” sergeant Josh McIlveen said.
Magistrate Robert Stone agreed there would be considerable risk given the alleged victim’s age.
“He has been told the complainants age and has persisted to see her,” Magistrate Stone said.
“My concern is possibly committing further offence and interfering with a witness.”
Mr Veale was refused bail, his matters adjourned until September.