After being accused of sexually assaulting three women whom he met through online dating services, a 27-year-old Perth man was brought before the court.
Michael John McConnaughty was given bail with the restriction that he refrain from using online dating services and posting anything on social media.
His alleged crimes include sexual penetration without consent, threatening to publish an intimate photograph, and using a mobile device to capture a private activity, according to sexual assault detectives’ charges from yesterday.
The alleged crimes are said to have taken place between 2019 and 2023.
According to the police, Mr. McConaughty met the three ladies on dating apps like Bumble, Tinder, and Hinge.
This afternoon, Mr. McConnaughty appeared in court in Perth, where his attorney predicted that the case’s main consent issue will come up.
He claimed that although there was a claim that he had recorded one of the women while she slept using a mobile phone, there was no proof that he had done so or had threatened to do so.
The fact that Mr. McConnaughty gave his phone to authorities during two videotaped interviews with him and said he had nothing to conceal was also made public.
The police prosecutor opposed the defendant’s request for bail, informing the court that the investigation was ongoing and there was a chance that further victims—who had not yet been identified—might emerge.
Magistrate Kevin Tavener decided that he should be allowed bail with a $10,000 personal undertaking and $20,000 surety as long as he follows the rules.
In addition, Mr. McConnaughty is forbidden from being anywhere near the women and is required to give up his passport.
At the end of the month, he must appear in court once more.
