A man accused of grooming and sexually abusing two teens he met at a fast-food outlet will remain in custody despite raising concerns about his safety behind bars.
David Stuart Denton faces 21 child abuse and drug-related charges following his alleged sexual attacks on a boy and a girl, both aged 15, in Sydney.
Police said the 55-year-old approached the two teenagers at a fast-food restaurant on George St, in the city centre, in April 2021.
The teens did not know the man, but later that day they attended his Ultimo home, where they were allegedly sexually assaulted.
Police allege the boy was sexually abused on another occasion later in the same year.
Magistrate Ian Guy on Thursday remanded the Glebe man in custody despite his plea for bail based on his safety concerns due to the charges.
“It is your first time in custody (and you) raised the issue of … risk of harm,” Guy told Denton.
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“I don’t doubt there is risk, but that is a matter for the detention officers.”
Guy refused the 55-year-old bail despite an offer of surety.
Denton, who appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court via videolink, began crying and sputtering as the magistrate handed down his decision.
Detectives launched their investigation into the alleged assaults in June 2022, arresting Denton on Wednesday morning at a house in Glebe.
During a search, police seized several electronic devices and also found a quantity of illegal drugs.
Denton was charged with nine counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child, as well as grooming and drug supply charges.
