The bail hearing of a Standerton man who was arrested last month for the possession and distribution of child pornography resumed in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today.

According to Ridge Times, the 59-year-old municipal employee is facing charges of possessing and distributing child pornography, one count of sexual grooming, and one count of compelled sexual assault.

The accused, who is married, brought his bail application to court through his attorney, André Moolman, on Monday.

Opposing the granting of bail, Warrant Officer Lelani de Lange of the Serial Electronic Crimes Unit testified that almost a million images were recovered on devices in the man’s possession. She said the man expressed his intent to commit suicide on July 30 during a search and seizure of his home and devices. The state argued that the defendant is a danger not only to the community, but also to himself.

State prosecutor Mahlatse Makopo revealed that the man’s home is located next to a pre-school. The defendant’s affidavit, which was read by Moolman, states that he needs to be granted bail as his absence from work is concerning.

“I am the only breadwinner and am responsible for my wife’s care. I fear that if I am not granted bail, I will lose my job.”

Moolman argued that his client should be granted bail due to his various medical conditions. According to Moolman, the defendant suffers from sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and scoliosis and needs to sleep with a CPAP machine.

Moolman also argued that the state does not have evidence to prove the charges of sexual grooming and compelled sexual assault. The state argued this point by stating that a victim has been identified and traced. De Lange also revealed to the court that the defendant has been placed on leave from July 30 and will only have to return to work at the end of August.

Magistrate Sabelo Tembe presided over the case and postponed it to next Thursday for judgment.

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