The identity of an alleged Palmerston predator has remained suppressed ahead of his Supreme Court trial

An alleged sexual predator who was caught naked with a child in a Palmerston home has been committed to the Supreme Court.

The identity of an alleged sexual predator who was found naked in a young child’s room after a Palmerston home invasion will remain suppressed at least until he appears in the Supreme Court in April.

The 23-year-old, whose name is currently supressed, was charged with attempted rape, unlawful entry and aggravated assault after he was caught naked in a room with a young child.

The child was aged between six and 10.

Police allege the man fled the home when residents found him, leading to a 55-hour manhunt from December 7.

The then 22-year-old was arrested after he was spotted hiding inside a phone box within the Palmerston area.

The alleged sexual predator is said to have broken into the home and attempt to sexually assault a child. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Appearing via video link in Darwin Local Court the man was directed to the Supreme Court for a trial on April 6.

His lawyer Joseph Burke successfully requested his name remain suppressed until he was moved to the higher court to avoid prejudicing the potential jury.

It was a suppression which judge Therese Austin accepted, however she expected the suppression to be lifted once the matter appeared in the Supreme Court.

“It’s a matter for the Supreme Court whether they will continue with the suppression order on the date,” she said.

“I don’t think this is a matter which will proceed with the defendant’s name suppressed, I think it will be a matter where the name is inevitably lifted.

“He is very young and I think he does have some issues that need to be explored.”

Originally published as The identity of an alleged Palmerston predator has remained suppressed ahead of his Supreme Court trial