Barrister accused over 'disturbing' messages about a teen

A senior barrister was arrested on return to Sydney after authorities say they found alleged sexualised messages and an image linked to minors; he was released on bail with strict conditions and will next appear in court in March.

A senior barrister, Mark Dennis, was arrested after Australian Border Force intercepted him on return from Cambodia and seized electronic devices. Authorities allege they found sexualised messages and an image linked to minors and executed a search warrant at his home. Prosecutors told the bail court the messages described sexual situations involving minors, a point his lawyer disputed. He has been released on bail with conditions and has ceased practising for the foreseeable future. Key facts: - He was intercepted at Sydney Airport and officers seized a phone, laptop, tablet and USB drives for forensic analysis. - Prosecutors reported chats that described sexual situations with minors, including a reported reference to a potential desire to rape a 16-year-old and an image described as of a boy aged six to 10; these matters are alleged and subject to court process. - A magistrate approved bail with conditions that restrict unsupervised contact with minors and limit internet use; his case will return to court in March. Summary: The arrest and seizure of devices led to charges relating to alleged child abuse material and prompted his temporary withdrawal from legal practice. The matter remains before the courts and will be revisited at the scheduled March hearing.