NSW Police constable Matthew Townsend charged with underage sex after allegedly impregnating 15yo girl

A probationary constable has been charged with underage sex offences after allegedly impregnating a 15-year-old girl he met while investigating her unrelated rape claims.

NSW Police probationary constable Matthew Townsend has been charged with having underage sex with a 14 to 16-year-old.

A young cop allegedly gave a teenage girl $800 for an abortion after she fell pregnant with his child following an underage sexual encounter between the pair, a court has heard.

Prosecutors will allege NSW Police probationary constable Matthew Townsend had been assigned to investigate unrelated rape claims made by the girl when he allegedly contacted her on social media in August this year and suggested they “hook up”.

The NSW Supreme Court on Friday heard Townsend plied the 15-year-old with alcohol and vapes in exchange for sex on two occasions in August and September, allegedly resulting in her falling pregnant with his child.

Prosecutors will allege Townsend sent the teen a series of messages, in which he acknowledged she could “report him for having sex with a minor”.

“I’ll end up going to jail if someone finds out,” he allegedly wrote in one message.

Another read: “I’m such a f**king idiot for doing this to you.”

The court heard the teen allegedly responded “just pull out next time or wear a condom”, which Justice Robert Hulme said he took to be in the context of a conversation about her positive pregnancy test.

“I understand, however if you’re keeping it (the baby) then no-one can know I’m the father, please promise me that,” Townsend allegedly replied.

The court heard police will allege Townsend subsequently transferred $800 into the teen’s bank account for an abortion.

Townsend was arrested in October and charged with one count of misconduct in public office and two counts of having sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16 years.

Under NSW law, a person connect legally consent to sex until they are 16 years old.

Townsend was remanded in custody at the time but fronted the Supreme Court on Friday seeking bail.

His barrister, Greg Stanton, told the court Townsend had multiple stressors in his personal and professional life at the time of the alleged offending, which had affected his mental capacity.

He argued his client was especially vulnerable in custody because of his job, although said Townsend had accepted he would likely never return to the force.

Mr Stanton said Townsend spent most of his day in his cell watching television and was effectively a “prisoner within a prison”.

“His capacity to mingle with the general population is a thing that could not be contemplated with any degree of safety or caution,” he said.

The court heard Townsend would live with his parents if released, and help care for his disabled brother.

Prosecutors opposed Townsend’s release, labelling the case against him “compelling and strong”.

“The investigation has so far uncovered significant material that lends strength to the prosecution case,” a representative for the Director of Public Prosecutions said.

Justice Hulme refused to release Townsend, saying he was not satisfied the 28-year-old had shown why his ongoing detention was not justified.

“It’s a very serious matter, with an overwhelming evidentiary case for it,” Justice Hulme said.

The case will return to Campbelltown Local Court next year.