An alleged self-proclaimed "paedophile hunter" charged with assault thought he was "doing the community a favour", his lawyer says.
In December last year, the man gained public attention by posting videos of himself online making citizen's arrests of people he alleged were child groomers around Adelaide after communicating with them on the internet while pretending to be a young boy.
Police allege the man, who dubbed himself the "Pedo Hunter", was 42-year-old Richard Paul Warner.
Mr Warner faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with one count of aggravated assault.
The hearing was adjourned until next month because the court heard Commonwealth prosecutors need time to finalise possible further charges against him.
Outside court, Mr Warner's lawyer Michael Woods spoke to the media on his client's behalf.
"It's disappointing that we are here and charged with these offences," he said.
"Obviously the Commonwealth haven't made their decision about what my client is going to be charged with yet, but Mr Warner would like to thank the overwhelming community support we have had for this matter."
Mr Woods said he expected the Commonwealth charges to relate to the alleged uploading of videos online.
"I think it is disappointing when someone thinks they are doing the right thing and doing the community a favour and then face criminal charges," he said.
"We understand the law but it's whether the law is correct and that will be something that we will sort out in court."
Under Commonwealth law it is an offence to use a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
The matter returns to court on March 28.
