Pastor’s son, 19, faces Gold Coast court on child sex charges

A PASTOR’S son has been charged with several child sex offences allegedly committed against children he met at his Gold Coast church.

A PASTOR’S son has been charged with several child sex offences allegedly committed against children he met on the Gold Coast.

The 19-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was yesterday charged by the Gold Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit.

Police allege the offences involve three children aged between 11 and 13 and occurred between November 2015 and December 2016 at a private residence.

The man was granted bail after appearing in the Southport Magistrates Court this morning after being charged with two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, three counts of indecent treatment of a child and one count of use internet to procure a child under 16.

The court heard the man worked in hospitality on the Gold Coast and was heavily involved in a local church, where his father works as a pastor.

The court heard the police could allege there are further victims and are appealing to anyone who has knowledge of similar offences that have not been reported to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The man was granted bail on the condition he does not attend church, youth group or church band activities.

He is also unable to use the internet or any gaming devices that require an internet connection.

Lawyer for the man, Adam Guest, of Guest Lawyers, told the court the allegations will be “significantly” contested and if the man was not granted bail there was a “real risk” he could spend up to two years behind bars awaiting trial.

The man is due to reappear in court on March 16.