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)A man accused of keeping a slave in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra will remain behind bars after a brief court appearance on Friday.
James Robert Davis, 40, is facing three charges — reducing a person to slavery, possessing a slave and causing a person to enter into or remain in servitude.
The offences are alleged to have occurred between June 2013 and July 2015 at a property in Maroubra, in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Mr Davis, who served with the military for 17 years, was arrested in Armidale on Thursday by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
An AFP spokesperson confirmed it had not ruled out laying further charges.
In a video posted online, Mr Davis spoke openly about his polyamorous relationships with women.
"They must think I'm some kind of abusive oppressor, misogynist, manipulator or even a monster," he said.
"But the truth is, I'm just a guy who enjoys both freedom and commitment and was lucky enough to find some incredible women to love and who loved me back."
ABC News
)Mr Davis wore a grey suit as he appeared at Inverell Local Court via audio-visual link.
He did not apply for bail and it was formally refused, however his lawyer flagged she would be making a bail application next week.
His lawyer also thanked the magistrate for allowing Mr Davis's wife and other family members to attend court at Armidale to watch the proceedings via video link.
The group displayed little emotion throughout his brief appearance and did not speak outside court.
The court heard the brief of evidence is expected to be served when the matter later returns to court on May 13.
