Mark Swain: Geraldton police officer accused of touching and asking teenager for sex has bail varied

A senior Geraldton police officer stood down amid accusations he indecently touched a 14-year-old girl he met on a Sugar Daddy app can now use the internet for business after his bail conditions were changed. Mark Kevin Swain appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday for legal advice on three counts of encouraging a child under the age of 16 to engage in sexual behaviour, two counts each of indecent dealings with a child under the age of 16 and supplying juveniles with alcohol. Mr Swain, a police sergeant based in Geraldton, is facing allegations of indecently dealing with a 14-year-old girl he met through an app called Sugar Daddy Meet, asking her for sex, and supplying the teen and her 14-year-old friend with alcohol at his home. Lawyer Gregory Chin outlined an application to vary the 49-year-old’s current residence and reporting conditions. The court was told Mr Swain planned to return to Perth and reside in Willetton from November 14, where he would report to Fremantle Police Station. The State prosecutor said they did not oppose the changes but noted Mr Swain was not allowed within 1km of any international departure, including Fremantle Port. Mr Chin also outlined a second variation so that Mr Swain could access the internet for his surfboarding business. The current bail conditions stated Mr Swain could use the internet for employment, but Mr Chin said it was unclear if this applied to running a business. He said Mr Swain used the internet to respond to customers, order parts from overseas and look up surfboards designs. “We want it to be made clear what he is and isn’t allowed to use the internet for,” he said. While the prosecutor highlighted his concerns about Mr Swain having “unfettered” access to an online forum given the charges against him. Magistrate Angus Hockton agreed to vary his bail, stating he was satisfied with the existing conditions. He acknowledged the surfboard business was Mr Swain’s primary source of income, following his loss of employment with the police force. “This will allow Mr Swain to continue his business and at the same time provide important protection for the community,” Mr Hockton said. Under the bail conditions, Mr Swain is not to access the internet or social media unless for banking, legal advice or employment in manufacturing surfboards and windboards. He must report to Fremantle Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He will reappear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on December 12.