Emerald court: Charles Gordon Batts charged with possessing child exploitation material

A Central Queensland man aged in his 50s has been charged with child exploitation offences. Find out what happened in court.

Lady Justice and the scales of justice. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Central Queensland man aged in his 50s has been charged with child exploitation offences.

Charles Gordon Batts, 57, appeared in Emerald Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 charged with four counts of possessing child exploitation material and two using of a carriage service to access child abuse material.

He did not enter a plea.

Rockhampton based duty lawyer, Lachlan Robertson of Legal Aid, asked for an adjournment of Mr Batts’ matters in order to prepare a brief of evidence and to seek legal aid.

“These charges must proceed on indictment,” Mr Robertson said.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Rachel Todd said Mr Batts’ charges required six weeks in order to prepare a brief of evidence with the due care and attention needed for the offences alleged.

“Given the nature of the charges it may take long for that specific aspect of the brief to be prepared,” Ms Todd said

“As a default six weeks should allow for the abundance of materials.”

Magistrate Rosemary Gilbert agreed that given the matters heard before the court, a six week period to prepare the brief of evidence was a suitable time frame.

Ms Gilbert adjourned Mr Batts’ matters to September 27 in Emerald Magistrates Court for further mention to allow for the preparation of the brief of evidence.

Mr Batts was released on bail with conditions.

Originally published as Emerald court: Charles Gordon Batts charged with possessing child exploitation material