Damien Arthur Hodder: Bail denied for Geraldton man accused of sexually penetrating a young girl

A Geraldton man accused of sexually penetrating a child under 13 has had his bail denied by a magistrate due to his poor record. Damien Arthur Hodder, 49, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court via video link from Greenough Regional Prison on Thursday for a bail application. Police prosecutor Sgt Paul Burkinshaw opposed bail, telling the court Mr Hodder had a previous record for failing to follow bail conditions. Magistrate Angus Hockton also noted Mr Hodder had “a fairly poor record for complying with conditions”. “How can I be satisfied Mr Hodder can comply with conditions,” he said. Defence lawyer Sabrina Maine said Mr Hodder’s previous record was in conjunction with alcohol misuse, and he has not offended since he quit drinking in 2019. Mr Hockton said his significant record and the fact that police opposed bail did not work in Mr Hodder’s favour. “There is a risk he will interfere with witnesses and will not attend court,” he said. “Most of your record is made up of not doing what you have been asked to do . . . I am not satisfied that I can put any conditions in place.” Bail was formally refused and Mr Hodder will reappear in court on August 31.