Laurie Oliver loses bid to suppress identity in court after being accused of sending explicit videos to underage girls

A Red Cliffs man facing charges of sending explicit content to underage girls has failed in his attempt to prevent the publication of his identity.

Laurie Oliver has failed in his attempt to have his identity suppressed on charges related to sending sexually explicit videos to minors. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

A Red Cliffs man charged with sending explicit content to underage girls has been denied a suppression order, with his bid to keep his identity hidden rejected in court.

Laurie Oliver fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court on multiple charges including grooming a child under 16 for a sexual offence, sexual activity in the presence of a child under the age of 16 and involving a child in the production of child abuse material

On Friday, Mr Oliver sought to prevent his identity being published by the media, citing concerns for his safety and others, as well as potential prejudice to his case.

Defence lawyer Sasha Leon Molina argued that threats had been made on social media and that support workers for Mr Oliver had received inappropriate messages.

However, Magistrate Michael Coghlan dismissed the application, stating there was no direct evidence of a credible risk.

When Ms Leon Molina argued that the matter might be prejudiced by media coverage of the matter, Mr Coghlan dismissed that also.

“Where’s the prejudice, it is not going to trial … it will be heard in the magistrates court,” Mr Coghlan said.

Magistrate Coghlan also suggested that the publication of the case could prompt local discussions about child safety.

“Perhaps publication of this matter … might cause people in the Red Cliffs area to have discussions with their children regarding safety,” Mr Coghlan said

Mr Oliver is set to return to court for a contest mention on April 9.