29/03/2023

Werribee man Nathan Begnell seemed distressed – bowing his head and putting his hands over his face – when told in court his bail application would be delayed.

A man charged with 303 counts of possessing and transmitting child abuse material has told a court he feels unsafe in custody and wants to apply for bail.
Nathan Begnell appeared distressed in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday bowing his head and putting his hands over his face when told he wouldn’t be able to apply for bail until next week.
Mr Begnell, 37, faces almost 300 charges of transmitting child pornography, plus other counts of possession and allegations he controlled and moderated an electronic service for child abuse material.
Wearing a face mask and a black T-shirt featuring Star Wars character Yoda, Mr Begnell told magistrate Kieran Gilligan he wanted to apply for bail.
“My anxiety … I don’t feel comfortable or safe wherever I am right now,” he said.