Child rape charge: South Burnett man, 24 released on bail

A South Burnett man charged with raping a child on Monday night has been granted bail, despite police objections. See why the magistrate didn’t agree with the prosecutor’s argument.

A South Burnett man charged with raping a 14-year-old child has been granted bail, allowing him to rejoin the community.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Barry Stevens said the 24-year-old was charged with raping and indecently dealing with the child after waking her up on Monday night.

Sergeant Stevens said the prosecution opposed bail, saying chances of the accused running into the victim or witnesses in the small town were high.

Lawyer Fiona Albert said her client was a law-abiding citizen and has an extremely limited criminal history, extending to a single drug possession offence.

The 24-year-old was granted bail by magistrate Andrew Sinclair, who noted the man had co-operated with the investigation and could not be denied bail due to the fact he lived in a small town.

The accused is prohibited from contacting or approaching the alleged victim or witnesses, or having someone else do so.

The case was adjourned until June 7 in Murgon Magistrates Court.

A full brief of evidence is scheduled to be presented on May 18.

Originally published as Child rape charge: South Burnett man, 24 released on bail