Accused paedo’s sick HIV intent

A MAN arrested for online paedophilia offences must not be released on bail because he is HIV+ and intends to “infect both children and adults”, court documents allege.

South Australia Police have further alleged Jadd William Brooker has maintained ongoing, unlawful sexual relationships with two underage teenage boys – one of whom has since died by suicide.

On Thursday, Brooker became visibly emotional as police urged the Mount Barker Magistrates Court to reject his bid for home-detention bail.

They said he already had been charged with eight offences and they expected to arrest up to 40 more people by investigating his digital activities.

Brooker’s reaction drew a stern warning from Magistrate Rodney Oates. “Stop sitting there shaking your head – just listen to what’s being said,” Mr Oates told him.

Brooker, 38, of Glenelg East, is the project manager for DSV Air & Sea, a global logistics and transport company.

He has yet to plead to three counts of disseminating, and four counts of possessing, child-exploitation material.

Three of those counts are considered aggravated offences, meaning the children allegedly depicted in the material were under the age of 14. Brooker has been further charged with one count of producing, or taking steps to produce, child exploitation material.

The offences are alleged to have happened at Glenelg East between December 31, 2015 and August 24 this year.

In police documents, released by the court, investigators allege Brooker was interviewed after his arrest in order to seek release on bail.

“He stated he previously smoked methylamphetamine for three years but has not used for at least six months,” the documents assert. “He is HIV+ … evidence has been obtained showing the accused’s intention to infect both children and adults with HIV.

“These serious offences, coupled with the allegation of an intention to harm others, has influenced (police) to refuse bail.”

The court heard a bail assessment report had found Brooker’s residence unsuitable for home detention. Counsel for Brooker said their client’s grandmother was prepared to have him live with her instead. Police opposed that course.

Mr Oates said he understood police concerns, but wanted to first assess whether it was a suitable bail address. He remanded him in custody to a further hearing next week.