Dalmeny veteran Christopher Roberts’ bail extended after child sex charge

A Dalmeny army veteran who allegedly sexually assaulted a child in 2014 has requested to remain on bail, with conditions he report to police three times a week.

Army veteran Christopher Roberts who allegedly sexually assaulted a child has had his bail extended.

An army veteran who allegedly sexually assaulted a child will continue to remain in the community on strict bail conditions.

Christopher Roberts, 63, appeared in Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday to apply for a bail extension after he was charged with the aggravated sexual assault of a child under 16 years old.

Roberts first appeared in Wollongong Local Court on January 5, where he initially applied for bail and denied the allegations against him, however no official plea has yet been entered.

Court documents presented to Magistrate Doug Dick stated the alleged rape occurred in 2014, however was not reported on until 2021.

Roberts was arrested in the first week of January, 2023.

Batemans Bay Courthouse, where Roberts appeared. Picture: Tom McGann.

On Monday at Batemans Bay Local Court, Roberts lawyer, Adam Sumbak, said they were planning to defend the allegations suggested it be appropriate for bail to continue due to the defendant’s injuries.

Police documents stated Roberts sustained a spinal injury in 1996 in the military and sustained a further injury later on in his life while working at the Narooma Sporting and Services Club.

Roberts also suffers from depression, was diagnosed with PTSD and formerly attended counselling with Brothers in Arms, but had not been for 12 months.

Magistrate Dick adjourned the matter which will reappear in Batemans Bay Court on March 6.

He must live at his home, comply with an apprehended violence order, report to police three times a week, not contact the alleged victim or her family and not be in the company of a child under 18 years old unless supervised.