A 66-year-old Gold Coast pool-repair business owner has been refused bail after facing serious criminal allegations during an online court hearing on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The man appeared in the bail hearing while being held at Tweed Heads Police Station, with prosecutors opposing his release because of the seriousness of the allegations and concerns about potential risks if he were granted bail.

Police allege the man groomed a child for unlawful activity, caused a child aged over 14 to produce child abuse material in circumstances alleged to be aggravated, and possessed child abuse material. The allegations are serious and remain allegations only; the accused has not been convicted of the offences.

During the hearing, the man's solicitor argued for bail and raised concerns about the potential impact of his continued detention on his pool-repair business. The court heard that the business operates across a large area, with work extending from Cairns in Queensland to Port Macquarie in New South Wales. His defence also raised medical concerns and told the court he required daily medication.

Prosecutors opposed bail, pointing to the seriousness of the alleged offences and the potentially significant penalties that could follow if the allegations were ultimately proven. The court was also told that the accused was already on bail in relation to an alleged breach of an apprehended violence order.

After considering the circumstances, the judge refused the bail application. The decision means the man will remain in custody while the legal proceedings continue.

The matter is scheduled to return to Tweed Heads Local Court on November 13, 2026. Further court proceedings are expected to determine how the case progresses and whether the allegations will ultimately be tested at trial or resolved through another legal process.

The case has attracted attention in Tweed Heads because the accused appeared from Tweed Heads Police Station during the online court process. However, the allegations themselves relate to a Gold Coast-based business owner rather than an incident that occurred specifically at the police station.

Police and prosecutors will continue the legal process as the case moves through the courts. At this stage, it is important to distinguish the allegations from established facts. A person charged with an offence is legally presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

The case also demonstrates how serious criminal matters can proceed through online court appearances while an accused person is being held at a police station or other custody location. The next scheduled court appearance will provide an opportunity for the matter to progress through the NSW court system.