Rory Jake Thompson: Jurien Bay man granted bail after allegedly indecently dealing with teenage girl

A Jurien Bay man facing multiple charges of indecently dealing with a teenage girl, and one charge he encouraged another teenager to engage in sexual behaviour, has been granted bail by a Geraldton magistrate.

Rory Jake Thompson, 20, allegedly indecently dealt with a 15-year old teenage girl eight times between April 7 and April 20.

On February 25, Mr Thompson allegedly messaged another teenage girl, over the age of 13 and under 16, using the social media platform Snapchat to ask her to engage in sexual behaviour.

The accused appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on April 26 for his first hearing, where an application for bail was made.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Burkinshaw opposed bail, stating police had a strong case against Mr Thompson including copies of the Snapchat messages he allegedly sent, and said he was concerned Mr Thompson would attempt to interfere with the alleged victims.

“There are no bail conditions we could put in place to prevent that,” Sgt Burkinshaw said.

Mr Thompson’s lawyer Karen Ward said her client’s alleged offences, while serious, were not at the level that bail had to be denied, and said he was willing to follow any conditions required.

“He is under no disillusionment of the serious matter of the charges he is facing today,” Ms Ward said.

Magistrate Elaine Campione noted Mr Thompson was “no stranger to the court” having previously been convicted of a number of charges but had no record of child sex offences, and said she did not believe there was any sign Mr Thompson would attempt to interfere with witnesses.

If found guilty, Ms Campione said it was “more likely than not” he would receive a jail sentence, but noted it may take months, or even years, for a decision to be made.

“The offences are serious ... weighing it all up though I have decided there are conditions that can be imposed,” Ms Campione said.

Mr Thompson was granted bail on the conditions he does not approach or contact the alleged victims, and does not use the internet for anything other than banking or legal advice.

He will next appear in court on June 12.