Joseph Sarmias: Accused Narrawallee pedophile granted bail in Nowra
A South Coast man accused of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child has been granted bail by a Nowra magistrate. Find out what happened in court.
The South Coast News
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A Narrawallee man accused of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child has been granted bail by a Nowra magistrate.
Joseph Sarmias is accused of three counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with someone aged between 10 and 14, as well as a single charge of sexual touching without consent.
Sarmias appeared via AVL at Nowra Local Court on Monday where he was granted strict conditional bail by Magistrate Michael O’Brien, including a curfew.
“These are serious charges that have been brought against you,” Magistrate O’Brien said to Sarmias. “But bail is not intended to be a punishment.”
Sarmias will not be allowed alone with anyone under the age of 18, according to his bail conditions. He will be restricted to residing at a Narrawallee property with his partner.
The victim cannot be named due to laws designed to protect the identity of minors involved in sexual crimes.
According to the police prosecutor, a statement was taken within a day of the accusations being made. Within a week, the prosecutor alleges Sarmias had been apprehended.
“Sarmias was interviewed and while the allegations have been denied, he does place himself in an opportunity or a position for these crimes to be committed,” the prosecutor said.
The police prosecutor was opposed to Sarmias’ release.
In its application, Sarmias’ defence argued that Sarmias no longer had any contact with the victim, and that his partner faced hardship from a lack of income.
The exact date of the alleged crimes and the residential status of Sarmias at the time were the matter of some conjecture during court proceedings.
Sarmias will further be required to report to police three times a week and is subject to a curfew from 8pm until 6am. During the day, he will be permitted to go to work.
He will return to Nowra Local Court on August 2 where briefs will be served.
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