Mid West man who allegedly attempted to rape a family member granted bail

A 52-year-old Mid West man who is accused of attempting to rape a family member has been granted bail.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, was in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Tuesday facing a charge of attempted sexual penetration without consent.

He had been in custody for five months and made no prior bail application.

The man’s lawyer told the court he planned to plead not guilty and this was his first long time in custody.

Police did not oppose the application.

The court was told the man had been on good behaviour in custody and he wished to reside with his family back in a small Mid West country town.

Bail was granted with the conditions the man not consume drugs or alcohol, not have contact with the victim, not leave the State and must report to the police station three times a week.

He will reappear in court on June 15.