Maitland James Hedlam: Elderly Geraldton man accused of sending sexual messages to cop posing as 14yo girl

A 74-year-old man accused of sending sexual messages over social media to a police officer acting as a 14-year-old girl has been granted bail, despite the fact he cares for his granddaughter. Maitland James Hedlam appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Friday charged with one count of using electronic communication to expose a child under 16 years to indecent matter. Police prosecutor Senior Constable Paul White said it was alleged Mr Hedlam used social media to engage with the child persona between July 22 and 23, 2021. The court was told the 14-year-old girl was actually a police officer who disclosed their age multiple times. It’s alleged the man asked for nude pictures and to meet the girl in person. It’s further alleged Mr Hedlam began talking in a sexually explicit nature towards the girl who he stated “he wants to kiss”. On July 22, he is accused of asking to meet again and offered to purchase her a new phone. It’s further alleged Mr Hedlam told the girl he wanted to have sex, to which she replied she was 14 and he stated, “it’s a good age.” He is also accused of sending messages including “we can make babies”. The court was told Mr Hedlam resides at a remote community 180km from Geraldton, where he has lived for the past 40 years. In outlining his application for bail, lawyer Xavier Sellathambu said there were no allegations of actual sexual conduct. “He had a conversation with an assumed identity,” he said. Mr Sellathambu said the man had no record of any sexual offending. The court was also told Mr Hedlam looks after his granddaughter. Sen. Const. White said he would make inquiries with the Department of Communities regarding the matter. Magistrate Colin Roberts granted the 74-year-old bail but acknowledged the serious nature of the charges. Mr Roberts said Mr Hedlam was very lucky to have bail set with no conditions. Mr Hedlam will reappear in Mullewa court on December 14.