No bail over sex charges
A SOLDIER who allegedly paid a young teenager to send him explicit photographs over social media has been hauled to court on child sex charges.
Daniel Thomas Mcwhir, 33, was arrested at Lavarack Barracks on Thursday and charged with six offences including indecent treatment of a child, using the internet to procure a child under 16 and intentionally meeting or going to meet child, and possessing child exploitation material.
Mcwhir appeared via videolink in Townsville Magistrates Court on Friday, for the first mention of his matter, where his lawyer made an application for bail.
Police allege that Mcwhir, who holds the rank of sergeant, used social media platform Instagram to contact a 14-year-old girl, who was not known to him.
The court heard in the messages, Mcwhir allegedly had conversation with the child to perform explicit sexual acts in exchange for money.
Police further allege that Mcwhir was identified by an Internet Protocol (IP) address, as well as an email account linked to the Instagram page where he allegedly contacted the child.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Erin Collis told the court that police alleged Mcwhir had “lengthy” conversations with the 14-yearold, where he told her “nobody can find out about this ever”.
The girl is alleged to have replied, saying she understood “because (Mcwhir) can get in trouble”.
They allege Mcwhir said the girl could get “in just as much trouble for accepting his money”.
When police searched his items, multiple devices including tablets, phones and storage devices were seized.
Senior Sergeant Collis said Mcwhir initially told police when they searched his property that he only used one Instagram account, but later found three that were connected to him.
She argued that Mcwhir was at risk of wiping his accounts, as well as making further contact with the girl and reoffending.
Police in their investigations allegedly found bank statements which show money transfers between Mcwhir and the girl’s bank account.
Duty lawyer Lisa Mcnamara asked Magistrate Steven Mosch to consider bail conditions including a prohibition on all social media platforms, and that he not use the internet except for employment purposes.
Ms Mcnamara said because of the “obvious concern” of the alleged 14-year-old victim, a no contact order could also be imposed.
The court heard there were further allegations that Mcwhir had offended against a second girl, aged 16, that were still under investigation by police.
It is unknown how long investigations into the social media accounts will continue.
Mr Mosch said from some of the material in the bail affidavit that he inferred some sexual activity had taken place.
Taking into account Mcwhir’s lack of criminal history, character and the charges, he denied bail on the risk that Mcwhir was at risk of obstructing the course of justice.
He was remanded in custody and will return for mention on August 31.