Warwick man granted bail over historical child sex offences

A 46-year-old man from Warwick has been granted bail after being charged with 18 historical child sex offences. The alleged offences occurred in Brisbane between 2013 and 2018.

The man appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday, where police prosecutor Anita Paige objected to bail due to concerns about the man's lack of a fixed address and his history of travelling.

Detectives allege the man committed offences against a teenage girl, who was known to him. He is charged with nine counts of indecent treatment of children under 16, seven counts of rape, and one count each of grooming a child under 16 years with intent to procure engagement in a sexual act with a child under 12 years, and sexual assaults.

During the bail hearing, the man's solicitor, Kate McIntyre, said her client intended to defend all charges against him and was willing to comply with any bail conditions imposed by the court, including surrendering his passport.

"We acknowledge the immense courage it takes to come forward and report offences of this nature," Detective Senior Sergeant Derek Harris said. "Whether it is an incident that has just occurred, or one from several years ago, I want to reassure victim-survivors that police take all reports seriously and will investigate it to its full extent."

Magistrate Veena Goverdhan granted bail on the condition the man lived at a Heritage Park address, did not leave Queensland, reported twice a week to police, and wore an electronic monitoring device. He is also not allowed to have any contact with children under the age of 16 or visit any parks or schools while on bail.

The man's travel plans had raised concerns among police, who had attempted to issue an extradition warrant, fearing he would flee to New South Wales. However, Ms McIntyre told the court allegations that her client fled were "entirely unfounded" and not what "spurred" the travel.

The matter was adjourned to Brisbane Magistrates Court for further mention on December 7. Queensland police said investigations were ongoing.