An accused groomer referred to himself as a "pedo" in "depraved, sustained and disturbing" messages sent to a child he allegedly raped, a court has heard.
The man is also accused of sharing exploitation material, found on his phone, with the girl.
On Friday, the ACT Magistrates Court was told the 32-year-old man had joked about adopting the 13-year-old and how having sex with her would then "be frowned upon".
The accused abuser is not named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, who reportedly believes her and the man are in a committed relationship and will get married "when she's of legal age".
By law, a child cannot consent to sex with an adult.
The MacGregor man did not enter pleas to grooming a young person, sexual intercourse with a child under 16 years, and possessing child exploitation material before being refused bail.
He was arrested on Thursday night after the girl's mother reported the matter to police.
Noting the nearly 20-year age gap between the pair, Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker said she could not be satisfied the child was safe with the man released into the community.
The grooming allegation, a prosecutor said, "entails insidious behaviour by its very nature". She also noted further significant charges were likely forthcoming.
The court heard multiple steps had been taken to hide the predatory sexual behaviour, including the man encouraging the girl to tell her parents he was a music instructor.
"She's clearly under the impression this is a romantic relationship," the prosecutor said.
A Legal Aid lawyer proposed "strict and stringent" bail conditions for her client, who she said had no relevant criminal history, was cooperative with police, and had never sat in a watch house cell before.
Those proposed conditions included restrictions on social media use, a curfew, and not being around children unless in the company of an adult.
But, ultimately, the magistrate was not satisfied they could ameliorate the risks the man posed to the alleged victim.
"She is a girl who has sought to hide this from her parents and a girl who has been encouraged to do so by the defendant," Ms Walker said.
The magistrate also cited the man taking "measures to disguise what was occuring".
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can report to police by attending a police station or calling ACT Policing Communications on 131 444. You can also submit an online report for historical sexual assault for incidents that occurred more than six months ago.
The ACT Policing website has a dedicated section for victims of sexual assault, with information and a range of advice and details of support options.
The man is set to return to court next month.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 6247 2525; Bravehearts 1800 272 831; Blue Knot Foundation 1300 657 380.
