Sex, robbery charges

Western Downs man’s initial appearance in Toowoomba court

A WESTERN Downs man charged with serious sexual matters and an alleged robbery has made his first appearance before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

The man, in his 50s, cannot be named due to the nature of the sex charges until such time as he is committed to trial on the matters.

He stood quietly beside his solicitor Nikola Prince from TASC (Toowoomba Advocacy and Support Centre) for the brief mention of the charges in court yesterday.

The accused man was not required to enter any pleas to the charges which include robbery with actual violence while armed, one count of rape and six counts of indecent treatment of a child under 12.

No details of the allegations against the man were aired in court but it is believed the robbery charge arises from an alleged incident in Toowoomba while the sex related charges derive from a town on the Western Downs.

Police claim the man had been at the Toowoomba Hospital on October 10 and had gone to the Red Edge Shopping Centre about 3.15pm.

It is further alleged that when a woman stopped her car at traffic lights nearby, the accused man had opened her driver’s side door and attempted to pull her from the car in order to take the vehicle.

Ms Prince told the court the charges as they stood would have to be taken up to the higher court and that a police brief of evidence would be required.

Ms Prince said there were some mental health issues associated with the alleged robbery and that a psychological report on her client would be required.

Magistrate Robbie Davies therefore remanded the man on bail and adjourned the case for mention back in the same court on January 23 at which the defendant’s appearance would be required.