A YOUTH group leader accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl earlier this year has been granted strict bail, which includes the condition that he not access Facebook or any social media.
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Christopher John Stothard, 22, appeared in Belmont Local Court on Wednesday charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touching a child under 16 and seven counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child under 16.
He did not enter pleas, but launched a bail application, claiming he would abide by a strict set of conditions if granted release.
Magistrate Alex Mijovich ultimately granted Mr Stothard bail on a number of conditions, including daily reporting to police, a curfew and a ban from social media.
The matter was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court on October 16.
Child Abuse Squad detectives say they launched an investigation in June after a teenage girl made allegations that she had been sexually assaulted.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested Mr Stothard at Beresfield on July 5.
Mr Stothard was stood down from his role as youth group leader during the investigation, police said.
