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An individual is facing serious allegations after reportedly pretending to be a 14-year-old boy to engage in explicit communication with a young girl. The accusations include sending increasingly inappropriate messages, culminating in a video where he allegedly engaged in a lewd act.
The young girl confided in her friends and sister about the troubling interactions before taking the brave step to report the matter to law enforcement two days later.
The accused, Brian, has been charged with a series of offenses. These charges encompass intentional sexual touching of a minor under the age of 16, grooming, and possessing material deemed to be child abuse.
After being taken into custody in October, Brian sought to secure bail through a hearing held last week at the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Today, Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz delivered her ruling on the bail application, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations and affirming the strength of the prosecutor’s case against him.
She noted the alleged victim had made a recorded statement to the police, and Brian had admitted it was his email address and Snapchat handle found in the alleged offending.
The 13-year-old girl was clearly a vulnerable young person, and her safety needed to be considered when assessing Brian’s risk, Mykytowycz said.
But the magistrate found that a series of very strict bail conditions could reduce that risk to an acceptable level.
He is also banned from stalking the alleged victim, engaging in any predatory behaviour towards her or going near where she lives or attends school.
Brian, who no longer works for MLC, is also prohibited from contacting any current or previous students.
He is due to return to court in February.
For under 25s: Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.