Alleged child sex offender fronts court after arrest last week

A MAN accused of a sex attack on a child at Bagot last week had been the subject of an arrest warrant for more than a month and is a marked man inside Holtze Prison

The Bagot Community in Darwin where a child was allegedly assaulted. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

A MAN accused of a sex attack on a child at Bagot last week had been the subject of an arrest warrant for more than a month and is a marked man inside Holtze Prison.

The man, who cannot be named, appeared in Darwin Local Court yesterday charged with abduction and indecent dealing, as well as on a separate charge of aggravated assault.

He had failed to appear in court on the aggravated assault charge and a warrant for his arrest was issued on January 30.

The 31-year-old appeared briefly, barefoot and in an oversized, green, prison-issue jumper having been arrested on Thursday and charged on Friday.

The man’s lawyer, Sam Emery, his asked for his client to marked in need of protection from other prisoners.

“He has indicated that to me from over the weekend,” Mr Emery said.

Asked by Judge Alan Woodcock if his client had been threatened, Mr Emery said: “Yes, your honour”.

Making the “at risk order” for the man’s protection, Mr Woodcock said: “I ask that the prison authorities note that and investigate that and that he be treated accordingly”.

Mr Emery did not apply for bail and the man was remanded in custody.

The abduction and indecent dealing matter will return to court on April 22 for a committal mention.

The seriousness of the charges means the matter is likely to be heard before the Supreme Court.

People staying at the close-knit community told reporters on Thursday they heard screams around 4am on Thursday morning.

Two men said they ran to help.

Residents said the alleged attack had left the community reeling, left parents worried for the safety of their children and had renewed concerns about the influence of drugs and alcohol at the community although it is unknown if alcohol was involved in the attack.