A HORSHAM man who police allege lured a 14-year-old girl into a sexual relationship via an internet chat room is off the streets.
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Informant Detective Sergeant Steve Walker told the Horsham Magistrate's Court yesterday that Mark Wayne Weaver, 45, of Stawell Road, Horsham, was a predator and an unacceptable risk of re-offending if granted bail.
Det Sgt Walker said Weaver and the girl met in an internet chat room in September 2006.
As the relationship developed between November 2006 and April 2007, police records show the man showered the girl with 8492 phone calls and text messages.
Det Sgt Walker alleged Weaver also gave the girl gifts, including lacy G-strings, chocolates, jewellery and mobile-phone credit.
The court heard the relationship developed and the two would often meet. In that time Weaver allegedly asked the girl to prove her love by providing sexual favours.
During part of the six-month period, he allegedly asked the girl for oral sex almost daily and sometimes more than once a day.
The court heard the girl `wagged' school on one occasion and went to Weaver's home where they had sex.
The relationship only stopped when the girl's mother became aware of the messages and contacted police.
Police searched Weaver's home and found a computer containing images of child pornography and two pictures of the girl clothed.
Police charged Weaver with 17 offences, including four counts of an indecent act, two counts of sexual penetration, knowingly possessing child pornography and two counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations.
Defence solicitor Nick Graham said his client denied all allegations.
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