A MAN awaiting trial in the district court has been refused bail charged with possessing child abuse material in Armidale.
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Stephen John Austin-Faint was led into Armidale Local Court late on Monday in handcuffs by detectives just hours after his arrest.
The 46-year-old was arrested by detectives in Armidale on Monday accused of possessing child abuse material between 10.10am and 4pm on Saturday.
As part of the investigation, detectives have seized a mobile phone and a computer which will be forensically examined by specialist officers.
Austin-Faint lodged a fresh bid for bail with duty solicitor Emeline Gemmell telling the court her client had a myriad of health problems.
“Mr Austin-Faint would like to show cause,” she said, detailing a list of health issues.
“And [he] receives ongoing treatment.”
The court was told Austin-Faint lived in Coraki but was now living in Armidale.
The court heard Austin-Faint is already on bail for matters in the district court in Lismore which will be heard in June, and because of the “nature of the offences, Austin-Faint had to show cause why his detention on the fresh allegation was not justified.
Magistrate Michael Holmes said he acknowledged the bail application was “based on his health” but said it wasn’t enough and he hadn’t shown cause.
“The court takes into account his lengthy criminal history,” he said examining Austin-Faint’s record and facts on the fresh allegation.
“He has weak community ties in Armidale.
“The nature of the offence is serious, it's of a sexual nature.
“He currently has pending matters in the district court in Lismore.
“The likelihood of a custodial sentence is high.”
Austin-Faint was not required to enter a plea to the fresh charge which has been referred to the DPP to take over the prosecution because of the seriousness of the allegation.
“The court believes the accused has not shown cause why his detention is not justified,” Mr Holmes said.
“Accordingly, bail is refused.
“I endorse on the warrant he has health issues.”
Mr Holmes adjourned the case and said any further bail application in the court needed supporting medical evidence.
“The medical issues should be covered with medical reports,” he said.