Standerton child porn case: Magistrate will give judgement in bail application next week
The bail hearing of a 59-year-old Standerton municipal employee accused of possessing and distributing child pornography, sexual grooming, and compelled sexual assault resumed in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today, August 21, with judgment postponed to August 28.
The bail hearing of the Standerton man who was arrested last month for possession and distribution of child pornography has resumed in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today, August 21.
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 application for bail 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 on Monday 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 to himself.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Standerton child pornography case: bail hearing postponed
State Prosecutor Mahlatse Makopo revealed 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 the client should be granted bail due to his various medical conditions. According to Moolman, the defendant is suffering 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. He postponed the case to August 28 for judgment.
ALSO READ: Child porn: Standerton man found with 56 000 images to ask for bail (VIDEO)
