Daniel Hanson, also known as Jimmy Hanson, faced Newcastle local court on Wednesday after detectives arrested him at work - a Cooks Hill shop - on Tuesday morning.

Mr Hanson was charged with four counts of aggravated sexual assault - victim under 16, two counts of indecent assault, one count of incite to commit an act of indecency with a victim 16 years and over, and three counts of common assault.

Once known under the stage name of Jimmy Beloved - frontman of band Falling For Beloved - Mr Hanson formed post-hardcore group We Built Atlantis in 2011.

Read more: Police and court news

Police allege the 32-year-old used his profile as a musician to engage with multiple young women and teenagers aged between 14 and 20 - some of whom they allege he groomed between 2008 and 2014.

According to court documents, he did not apply for bail when he faced court on Wednesday and Magistrate Peter Barnett formally refused it.

The band We Built Atlantis was well-known in the Hunter - the group toured Australia's east coast and played at venues in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as well as the 2012 Groovin the Moo festival.

The band has largely remained publicly inactive since 2012.

Mr Hanson will face court again for a brief status hearing on October 24.

"In March, 2019, detectives from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation into alleged sexual and indecent assault incidents which allegedly occurred between 2008 and 2014," a Newcastle detectives spokesperson said.

"Police are interested in speaking with anyone who may have information which may assist, as investigations continue."

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