A childcare centre on the New South Wales South Coast has been shut down after a worker allegedly sexually assaulted one of the children.
A 54-year-old man has been charged with three offences, including take or detain a person with intent to obtain advantage, intentionally sexually touch child under 10 years and aggravated sexually touch another person.
In Nowra Local Court today police alleged the man took the child to a vacant property near the centre and assaulted her on two occasions between February and December this year.
His defence lawyer told the court the man did not have a criminal history, had strong ties to his local community, and would be defending the charges.
He also said the evidence of the alleged victim was uncorroborated and that it was "curious" that his client had allegedly been able to remove the child in the presence of other staff and 30 other children.
The accused man's wife and daughter attended court to support him.
He was granted strict conditional bail this afternoon, with his family required to deposit a $50,000 surety to secure his release.
The matter has been adjourned until February next year.
