Darwin man arrested for allegedly plying child with drugs and rape at Noonamah

A young Territory man charged with plying a child with drugs and raping a person under 16 will fight to be released on bail. Read what his mother whispered to him as he appeared in court.

A Humpty Doo man charged with plying a child with drugs and raping a child will fight to be released on bail.

A 24-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reason, appeared before Judge Ben O’Loughlin on Monday charged with sexual intercourse with a child under 16 at Noonamah.

He was arrested on Friday, February 10, and also charged with three counts of supplying drugs to a child, receiving property commissioned from an offence and possessing a thing to administer drugs.

As the 24-year-old walked into Darwin Local Court his mother silently mouthed three words to her son: “I love you”.

The young man stood behind the plastic security screen at the court placing his hand on his chest for most of the hearing.

Defence lawyer Peter Maley said the young man would be making an application for bail, with an assessment for his suitability expected by his next hearing on Thursday.

Mr Maley said if bail was granted, his mother would ensure her son followed all conditions, including making sure the electronic monitoring device was suitable for the Humpty Doo bail address.

Mr Maley said the Humpty Doo man lived with his mother and step-father, and was gainfully employed.

He said there was no relevant criminal history, but conceded that another unrelated criminal matter was also moving through the courts.

The 24-year-old will remain in custody until his next bail hearing on February 16.