An Australind man contesting nine child sex abuse charges which allegedly occurred in the '80s was refused travel access when he fronted Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Stephen John Landless, 57, was denied permission to travel to Thailand on a three-day trip where he had organised a religious matrimonial ceremony to further solemnise his marriage to his Thai wife.
Landless faces nine counts of indecent dealings with a child under 14, the offences allegedly occurring between 1983 and 1985 in Donnybrook.
As per his bail conditions, Landless's passport was revoked along with a personal undertaking of $10,000 and protective conditions set, where Landless is not to make contact with the victim.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Karl Rep, in liaison with the Thai Consular, submitted to the court that granting Landless travel access would present a flight risk as he could get embroiled in the Thai visa system or easily cross borders.
Senior Constable Rep said the prosecution had built a "very strong" case against Landless after securing a 26 minute pre-text call where Landless is allegedly heard apologising and saying it was his fault to the victim.
Defence lawyer Michael Devlin submitted to the court a comprehensive affidavit which outlined Landless's travel itinerary, effort and monetary expense made to arrange the ceremony in December.
In what he described to the prosecution as a "hardball" approach, Mr Devlin also urged Magistrate Brian Mahon to consider a suppression order due to the "sensitive nature of the case".
Magistrate Brian Mahon said he was not prepared to take the risk and grant Landless travel access to Thailand due to the serious and numerous nature of the offences which could land the accused with a term of imprisonment if convicted.
Magistrate Mahon also denied Mr Devlin's request to protect his client with a suppression order.
"It's not the outcome that you want, but it's the outcome I'm compelled to give you," Magistrate Mahon said to Landless.
Landless's bail was extended and he will appear in court next year.
