Todd Hubers faces court on child sex charges

Police say an investigation into Geelong Revival Centre church member Todd Hubers is ongoing and more alleged victims could be found.

Todd Hubers in 2015.

A Geelong man has faced court on Friday charged with child sex offences.

Todd Hubers, 36, faced the Geelong Magistrates’ Court where he did not enter a plea to charges of sexual penetration of a child aged under 16, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 16, and possessing child abuse material.

Police prosecutor Chris Sinfield said more alleged victims were due to be identified and a police investigation would continue.

The Geelong Advertiser understands Mr Hubers is a member of the Geelong Revival Centre, a controversial Pentecostal group which has a church at Thompson Rd, Norlane.

Mr Hubers, who also goes by Hubers Van Assenraad, appeared in court wearing a striped green top, and was visibly upset as he sat in the dock.

At times Mr Hubers appeared though he was about to begin crying and at others he sat with his eyes closed during the brief hearing.

The Geelong Advertiser asked for information related to the circumstances of Mr Hubers alleged offending to be released but its application was adjourned to a later day.

Lawyer for Mr Hubers, Jonathan Brancato, argued against the release of a summary of the alleged offending because his client said it was not accurate in relation to “substantial admissions” that were made during a police interview.

The court heard if the summary of the alleged offending was released to the media it could put a “church” at the “centre of all this”.

Magistrate Simon Guthrie said the risk to the alleged victim would be too high if information about Mr Hubers alleged offending was released on Friday.

“It is not in the best interests for anyone at this stage,” Mr Guthrie said.

Mr Brancato said it was the first time his client was in custody.

Mr Hubers is due to face court again in May.

Originally published as Todd Hubers faces court on child sex charges