Former Mildura taxi driver and sex offender Arthur Tsamoudakis has been accused of loitering near playgrounds while sleeping in a tent allegedly stuffed with sex toys, porn, and children’s playthings, a court has heard.
Tsamoudakis appeared in Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Monday seeking bail for the second time in under two weeks after being released on strict bail conditions for previous alleged offences on March 19.
The court heard he allegedly spent three hours at a children’s play area at Langtree Mall, breaching both his bail and sex offender registry obligations.
Earlier, Tsamoudakis was accused of setting up a tent near a public water park and playground, where police reportedly found sex toys, pornography, and children’s toys. Authorities also allege he was found with a mobile phone number that had not been registered with authorities, violating his reporting requirements.
Police have described him as an elevated risk to the community, claiming he deliberately targeted areas frequented by children.
Police prosecutor, leading senior constable Jacqueline Lowe told the court Tsamoudakis had repeatedly ignored previous bail conditions.
“It is very likely the accused will continue to disregard bail conditions,” Constable Lowe said.
Footage was played to the court which allegedly showed Tsamoudakis loitering at a school crossing while attempting to get the attention of children.
Tsamoudakis’ sister gave evidence and detailed her brother’s mental health decline following the death of their father. “Our father died in Arthur’s arms,” she told the court.
Although police alleged the accused’s family refused to take him in, she said her brother was welcome to stay at their mother’s home. “She has always stated to me she is happy to have him as long as he is getting medical help,” she said.
A psychological report submitted to the court concluded that Tsamoudakis was “completely fine from a psychological perspective.”
Magistrate Greg Thomas ruled the accused posed an unacceptable risk if granted bail. “He seems to be a far more complex case than (anyone) realised,” Magistrate Thomas said.
“I can’t see any conditions that would ameliorate any risk, so I formally refuse bail,” he said.
Tsamoudakis will next appear before the court on April 7.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
