West Australian politician James Hayward looks set to defend himself against charges of sexually abusing an eight-year-old girl.
Mr Hayward made his second appearance in the Perth Magistrates Court today, with his lawyer Amanda Blackburn saying her client intended to plead not guilty to the five charges he faces, including one count of persistent sexual conduct with a child.
The 52-year-old, who resigned from the WA Nationals after he was charged in December last year, also had his bail conditions changed because of his parliamentary commitments.
Chief Magistrate Steven Heath agreed to remove the requirement for Mr Hayward to report to police each Wednesday after Ms Blackburn said it was difficult for her client because parliament sat late on a Tuesday.
The other bail conditions stay in place, including a ban on him having any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16.
Hearing follows appearance in parliament
Mr Hayward has previously stated publicly that he intends to remain a member of the Parliament of Western Australia and keep his salary, because if he resigned it would send a message that any person in public office can be removed by simply making an untested allegation.
He has also said Australia's legal system was founded on the presumption of innocence and that it applied to everyone.
Mr Hayward, a member of the Legislative Council, last week took his seat in parliament when it resumed after the summer break.
he made no comment as he left the court this morning.
He is due back in court in April.
