A 19-YEAR-OLD man has been granted bail, accused of sexually and physically abusing two women in Armidale over a two-year period.
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The man, who was a child at the time and cannot be identified under the law, appeared in Armidale Children's Court on Wednesday, a day after his arrest by Armidale detectives.
As part of a long list of conditions, the teenager is prohibited from entering Armidale or using a phone or the internet, as investigations continue.
Detectives allege the teenager sexually and physically abused a 17-year-old girl in 2016, and an 18-year-old woman in mid-2017.
Detective Sergeant Matt Crotty said the alleged abuse occurred in Armidale and was of a domestic violence-related nature.
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"An investigation was launched by Armidale detectives after a number of complaints to police earlier this year," he said.
Those investigations centred on complaints of sexual and physical abuse, and culminated in this arrest.
- Detective Sergeant Matt Crotty
"Those investigations centred on complaints of sexual and physical abuse, and culminated in this arrest.
"But inquiries are continuing and we do believe there are people who may have information to assist detectives.
"Police are here for any victims of domestic violence."
The teenager is facing 16 charges in total, including participating as a client with a child in an act of prostitution; sexual intercourse without consent; indecent assault; and common assault.
He's also accused of an aggravated break-and-enter after allegedly breaking into one of the victim's homes.
Magistrate Mark Richardson granted bail in a closed court hearing on Wednesday, ordering the man to live in Taree, effectively under house arrest.
The man is not allowed to have access to a landline, mobile phone or internet, including online games, unless authorised or supervised by a court-stipulated person.
He won't be able to leave the home unless in the company of one man named in court documents, and must report to police every day.
The 19-year-old is prohibited from taking drugs or drinking alcohol; entering Armidale unless for court; or approaching any international departure point; as well as posting $2500 in surety.
He will return to court in October.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
