Aaron Christopher Lawrence, 41, denied bail amid investigations into potential child exploitation material

A 41-year-old Usher man will remain in custody as investigations continue into his alleged possession of child exploitation and other material. Aaron Christopher Lawrence appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday facing one charge of recording video of a private activity, indecently recording a child under 13 years, obscene acts in public, possessing drug paraphernalia and two charges of possessing a prohibited drug. He applied for bail at his first hearing, but the request was opposed by the prosecution. Sgt John Seidner told the court Mr Lawrence had allegedly attended the Dalyellup Woolworths store on August 28, collecting a basket and looking at some of the stuffed toys on offer. About 30 minutes into his shop, he allegedly went to the isle where condoms were located and exposed himself before doing a lewd act. He is then accused of walking towards the checkouts while exposed. The court was told at 3.25pm on the same day, Mr Lawrence was arrested on another matter and a search was done on his Usher home. Police claim they found electronic devices which included videos from male public toilets and videos of Mr Lawrence doing lewd acts in response. Sgt Seidner told the court an initial 320 videos had been found on Mr Lawrence’s mobile phone, with a full review yet to be completed. It is claimed police located five hard drives and 18 USB drives believed to contain child exploitation material and other material. “It is a large, complex investigation,” Sgt Seidner said. Mr Lawrence is also alleged to have possessed methamphetamine, cannabis and a glass smoking implement on the same day. Magistrate Angus Hockton denied the bail application after determining there would likely be further charges against Mr Lawrence, the risk of possible further offences and the harm he could do to himself. “In my view, there is a particularly strong case against you against you and if you were to be convicted of these charges, there will be an inevitable sentence of imprisonment,” he said. Mr Lawrence will next appear in court on September 26 for a legal aid application.