‘Depraved, persistent and disturbing’: Man allegedly posed as music teacher while abusing child

A Macgregor man allegedly called himself a “pedo” in messages to a child he allegedly manipulated and raped. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

CONTENT WARNING: This article is about childhood sexual abuse.

A MacGregor man allegedly called himself a ‘paedo’ in messages he sent to a child he had raped and taught him how to hide contact with them.

The alleged victim believes the two people are in a relationship, the court heard, and that they will marry once she reaches “the legal age”.

The 32-year-old man, who Region has chosen not to name names to protect the identity of the alleged victim, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday (August 30).

He is accused of grooming a young person, having sexual intercourse with a person under 16 and possessing child abuse material, but the court heard he could face further charges.

Police also allege that he abused the child in his home earlier that week before his arrest and that he also shared child abuse material with the victim.

In court, her lawyer proposed a number of “strict and stringent” bail conditions, including that her client not be in the presence of a child without an adult, that there be a curfew and that access to social media be restricted.

The man also has a chronic pain disorder, which she said “could not be treated” in prison at the Alexander Maconochie Center.

According to his lawyer, he only had a criminal record with two traffic violations since 2018 and was cooperating with police.

However, the prosecutor argued that the court should not attach any value to his limited criminal past.

The messages he allegedly sent to the victim were “depraved, persistent and disturbing,” such as when he allegedly “joked” about adopting her.

She said the man was “well aware of the illegality” of his behaviour and that grooming “necessarily involves insidious behaviour”.

The alleged perpetrator took steps to “actively assist” the alleged victim in concealing their interactions, such as allegedly telling her to tell her parents he was a music teacher so he could visit her home wearing a “supposedly legitimate veil,” the prosecutor said.

Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker refused bail, saying the alleged behaviour and decisions to help his alleged victim hide it from her parents were concerning.

The alleged victim was “clearly protective” of the accused man, Chief Justice Walker said, adding that the court saw a “very significant risk” to her safety.

“The court’s concerns are really about the young person,” she said.

The 32-year-old is due to appear in court on September 19.

If this story concerns you, you can contact 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual abuse, family and domestic violence helpline, on 1800 737 732. Help and support is also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT on 02 6280 0900 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In emergencies call triple zero.

You can report a sexual assault by going in person to an ACT Police station, by calling Triple Zero in an emergency or 131 444 for police assistance, or online if the sexual assault occurred more than six months ago.