South West man Errol Leonard Warner appears in Bunbury Court accused of having collection of child sex dolls

A 79-year-old South West man has appeared in court accused of having a collection of children’s dolls that had been modified to be used as sexual aids. Errol Leonard Warner appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Friday where he was charged with two counts of possessing child exploitation material. It was alleged police conducted a search of Mr Warner’s caravan in Picton East, in the Shire of Dardanup, on Thursday, where they allegedly uncovered the modified dolls and several devices. After conducting further investigation on the devices, police allege Mr Warner was also in possession of a digital images of child exploitation material. Although Mr Warner did not make a bail application, he made a request to be subject to a hospital order for a mental health assessment. However, Magistrate Linda Keane told the court hospital orders were generally reserved for people suffering a significant breakdown in their mental health and Mr Warner would be able to receive counselling while in custody. Although Ms Keane also dismissed his application to have the matters suppressed. “It is a fundamental principle for the courts to be open and that includes allowing media organisations to have the right to publication,” she said. “I understand that the nature of these charges can bring a strong reaction in sections of the community and concerns of vigilante action and prejudice but there is nothing before me that provides a basis for a suppression order to be granted.” Before he was led out of the courtroom by security staff, Mr Warner was also told one of his mobile phones, which was found not to contain any child exploitation material, was returned to his property. Mr Warner was remanded in custody and is next due to appear on October 3.