Ex-reporter in child abuse material case seeks evidence
Rex Martinich |
Ex-TV reporter Ben McCormack will remain behind bars after being accused of dozens of transmitting child sexual abuse material offences.
The former A Current Affair journalist appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday via videolink sporting a beard and wearing a green jail uniform T-shirt in custody.
The 51-year-old was arrested in early August, charged with 65 counts of transmitting audio files that allegedly constituted child sexual abuse material over several months last year at Oxley in Brisbane’s southwest.
McCormack resigned from his role on the Nine Network’s A Current Affair program in 2017.
A law clerk from the firm representing McCormack told magistrate Clare Kelly it was the first committal mention for the case.
“We are requesting a full brief of evidence for all charges,” the law clerk said.
McCormack is also charged with three counts of failing to comply with reporting to police under the Child Protection Act and one count of giving false or misleading information.
“I will order that the full brief of evidence be put together and disclosed (by) the 10th of October,” Ms Kelly said.
Police prosecutor Kiara D’Odorico did not oppose the order.
Ms Kelly adjourned the matter for a mention on November 7 and remanded McCormack in custody.
McCormack did not speak in court except to confirm his identity and thank Ms Kelly at the end of his appearance.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
AAP
