Man charged with assault of 13-year-old refused bail near Brisbane
A 41-year-old man accused of assaulting a 13-year-old girl in bushland near Ipswich has been remanded in custody.
Ethan Bell, 41, of Bundamba, was arrested two days after Queensland Police attended an assault report in Blackstone on October 14. The girl, who did not know him, was assaulted around 11:30pm in bushland near Ipswich.
Bell was charged with indecent treatment of children under 16 and supplying dangerous drugs to a minor. Police allege he offered the girl a lift and compelled her to take drugs before attempting to indecently assault her.
In Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday, magistrate Grace Kalhert refused bail. She said she could not be satisfied that any bail conditions would reduce his risk of reoffending.
He remains in custody and will appear in court tomorrow.
- 41 years old
- Accused age
- 13 years old
- Victim age
- October 14, around 11:30pm
- Incident date
Why it mattersThe refusal signals the courts view the risk to the community and victim as serious enough to hold him without bail until trial.
AustraliaAssault and child safety remain major concerns across Queensland; the case reflects ongoing risks facing young people.
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