A self-styled ‘paedophile hunter’ has remained defiant despite facing jail over a series of controversial alleged citizen’s arrests.
Richard Warner, 42, appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with one count of aggravated assault.
The online campaigner, who runs a Youtube channel titled ‘Adelaide Pedo Hunter’, was arrested in December for allegedly setting up anti-paedophile stings.
A self-styled ‘paedophile hunter’ (pictured) has remained defiant despite facing jail over a series of controversial alleged citizen’s arrests
Richard Warner (pictured), 42, appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with one count of aggravated assault
The online campaigner, who runs a Youtube channel titled ‘Adelaide Pedo Hunter’, was arrested in December for allegedly setting up anti-paedophile stings (pictured)
The father-of-one filmed himself arresting alleged child sex groomers after pretending to be a young boy online and luring them to meetings.
Speaking outside court his lawyer Michael Woods said the public is on the alleged vigilante’s side, Seven News reported.
‘It’s disappointing we’re here and we’ve been charged with these offences, but Mr Warner would like to thank the overwhelming community support,’ he said.
‘It is disappointing when someone thinks they’re doing the right thing and doing the community a favour and then face criminal charges and serious criminal charges.’
The father-of-one (pictured) filmed himself arresting alleged child sex groomers after pretending to be a young boy online and luring them to meetings
The Federal Police may be planning to slap Mr Warner with more charges, possibly relating to the exposure of the identities of the alleged paedophiles.
Mr Warner will appear in court again in March, and police have charged one person caught in his online campaign with sex offences.
South Australian law bans the publication of the identity of people charged with a sexual offence until they plead guilty or are committed to stand trial.
Speaking outside court his lawyer Michael Woods said the public is on the alleged vigilante’s side (pictured is Mr Warner)
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