Expert computer evidence will be given against a married Casino father who allegedly used social media to groom a 15-year-old girl for sex from his home.
Jacob Lee Benn appeared in Lismore Local Court this week and was represented by solicitor Peter Walsh.
The 30-year-old father is charged with using a carriage service to groom a person under 16 years for sex.
Police allege between November 20, 2016, and the day before his arrest, June 14, Mr Benn sent various message via Facebook messenger to the 15-year-old girl with the intention of having sex with her.
During their communications, it is alleged Mr Benn told the girl not to reveal his identity.
After the girl complained to police an investigation was launched and Mr Benn was arrested by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Exploitation Unit on June 15.
He was granted strict conditional bail to reside at Casino and not to contact or approach the girl or go to her school.
Mr Benn must not use the ‘social media websites Facebook, Snapchat, Facebook messenger or Instagram for any reason what so ever.’
He was also ordered not to have direct contact with any person younger than 16 except for his immediate family.
This week Magistrate David Heilpern heard police were waiting for an electronic exhibit to be prepared and expert evidence to be given on the case.
Mr Heilpern ordered the brief of evidence to be served on the defence by October 23 and adjourned Mr Benn’s matters until November 13.
He was excused from appearing at court on the next occasion by Magistrate Heilpern if legally represented.
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