A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack has missed his court date today for child pornography offences, his legal team presenting a letter that he is still being treated for health issues in an undisclosed Sydney treatment facility following his arrest on April 6.
The 42-year-old was due in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court this morning, however, his lawyer, Sam Macedone, tendered a medical certificate on McCormack’s behalf. Although McCormack’s actual condition remains a secret.
“My client is not present today he is still in hospital,” Macedone was quoted as saying in News Corp media sites.
McCormack is currently suspended from all duties at the Nine Network. Nine has refused to comment on the ongoing drama. McCormack faces as much as 15 years in prison if found guilty and has not yet entered a plea.
Macedone asked for McCormack’s bail to be extended and the matter is due back in court on July 4.
McCormack has been charged with child pornography offences, using social media for explicit conversations about children and discussing child pornography.
However, Macedone will argue that there were no actual pictures of children, merely a discussion.
Police prosecutors have until June 20 to file a brief of evidence against McCormack.
