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ABC News
ABC News
National

Mackay man charged with alleged child sex abuse offences after trip to Philippines

A West Mackay man has been charged with alleged child abuse offences. (Supplied: Australian Border Force)

A West Mackay man has been charged with a child abuse offence after he was allegedly found with messages and explicit material during a baggage check at Sydney Airport.

The 56-year-old appeared in the Downing Centre Local court today where the matter was listed for a committal later this month.

He remains on bail.

Australian Federal Police will allege he had been returning from the Philippines on January 7 when he was selected for a baggage examination. 

An Australian Federal Police spokesman said officers allegedly found child abuse material as well as messages discussing the sexual abuse of Filipino children. 

Australian Federal Police will allege the man was grooming a "third party" to get access to female children in the Philippines. 

The man was charged with possessing child abuse material, grooming a person to make it easier to engage in sexual activity with a child outside of Australia and intentionally importing tier two good without approval.

If convicted, he faces up to a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.

He first appeared in Parramatta Local Court on January 8 where he was granted bail.

He will face court next on March 21.

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