Alleged Toowoomba child offender and public masturbator Aaron Hearn fronts court

A homeless man accused of a child sex offence, and committing a disturbing act in public, has had his case mentioned before a Toowoomba court.

A homeless Toowoomba man accused of the indecent treatment of a child has had his case mentioned in court for a second time.

Aaron Scott Hearn was arrested in December, and charged with committing an indecent act in public (masturbation), indecent treatment of a child under 16, and possessing dangerous drugs.

His bail application was denied on December 28, 2023.

On Wednesday, February 7, Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told the 35-year-old planned to contest the indecent treatment charge.

Aaron Scott Hearn remains in police custody.

Two briefs of evidence were completed by police prosecution, however Mr Hearn’s legal representation was yet to collect them.

The court was told that police evidence included CCTV footage and a photo board interview, and if the case proceeded to trial, eight witnesses would be called.

Solicitor Michael McElhinney said he required a month’s adjournment to give his office time to review the evidence and speak with Mr Hearn.

The case will next be mentioned before the court on March 6.

Mr Hearn has not yet entered any pleas to the charges and was remanded in custody.