Charged grandad wants to see kids

A GRANDFATHER accused of paying money to help in the child stealing of his grandchildren wants to be allowed to see the children.

The 84-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is understood to be in declining health.

He wants to see his grandchildren while he still can but bail conditions imposed on him since he was charged by Australian Federal Police officers last year prevent this.

The man’s daughter is facing charges of child stealing after allegedly using false identities and a number of residences to hide with her children for four years despite the best efforts of police to find her.

The 84-year-old is alleged to have helped the mother’s cause financially.

After initially facing five criminal charges, this has been dropped to one count of dealing with money or property intended to become an instrument of crime.

The man’s defence solicitor, Phil Rennick of Rennick Lawyers, appeared on his behalf in Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday.

Mr Rennick said he needed an adjournment to consult with his client after the prosecution changed the charge he was facing. He added that when the matter was next before court he would be applying for changes to his client’s bail conditions.

“There are a number of people that ( my client) is not allowed to have any contact with,” Mr Rennick said.

“We will be seeking to have those conditions removed.”

While the bail conditions restrict the man from interacting with several people, it is understood it is his relationship with family members his bail impacts that is his main concern.

The matter will next be heard on November 11.