A WARATAH man accused of using social media to share child abuse material and groom underage girls for sex has been refused bail in Newcastle Local Court.
Jack Douglas Merrett, 26, appeared in court on Friday charged with eight counts, including using a carriage service to groom a child under the age of 16 for sex, two counts of using a carriage service to access child abuse material and two counts of using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material.
He did not enter any pleas, but made a bid to be released on conditional bail that was refused by Magistrate Ian Cheetham.
The matter was adjourned until April while detectives prepare a brief of evidence.
Sex Crimes Squad detectives attached to Strike Force Trawler, an ongoing investigation into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children online, allege Mr Merrett was identified using a number of social media platforms to groom underage girls for sex and to access and share child abuse material.
And about 11.30am on Thursday, after further inquiries, detectives raided a home at Waratah and arrested Mr Merrett.
He was taken to Waratah police station, charged and refused by police before he was again refused bail in Newcastle Local Court on Friday.
Investigations under Strike Force Trawler continue.
