Jamie Riley told police his 14 yo alleged victim blackmailed him into a year long sexual relationship
A Red Cliffs man has told police he was blackmailed by his alleged 14-year-old victim into having a sexual relationship with her.
Mildura
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An unemployed Red Cliffs father of two has claimed he was blackmailed into having an alleged year-long sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl, a court has heard.
Jamie Riley, 38, was arrested on Tuesday on several charges including persistent sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16, sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16 and grooming.
He fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in an unsuccessful attempt to get bail.
The court heard that following his arrest Mr Riley admitted to a sexual relationship with the alleged victim, telling them he had sex with her at least six times over the course of a year because she had been blackmailing him.
Mr Riley claimed to police the alleged blackmail took place in the form of threats to self harm and calling triple-zero to report the sexual nature of their relationship.
Mr Riley claimed that prior to his arrest he had reached out to services to get help regarding the situation, and was told to inform police. He told police he didn’t do that because he was scared and embarrassed.
It was suggested in court the alleged victim believed the sexual relationship was consensual.
It was disclosed during the bail application that Mr Riley has two children, who are of similar age as the alleged victim.
Mr Riley’s bail application was denied by Magistrate Michael Coghlan who said his admissions had made giving bail difficult.
“Invariably allegations of this nature are met with denials, and had that been the case, that might have been enough to satisfy the court of compelling reasons. However, that has changed significantly by virtue of admissions made by the accused man that this has occurred,” Mr Coghlan said.
“Bail is denied. You have not satisfied the court that compelling reasons exist,” Mr Coghlan said.
Mr Coghlan went on to say that he could not be convinced that Mr Riley and the alleged victim would have no contact if he was given bail.
He also remarked that any time Mr Riley spends in remand could be small change compared to a sentence he may receive if found guilty on all charges.
Mr Riley is next scheduled to appear for a committal mention on November 20.
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