Hamish Norman Harrison's arraignment on child abuse material charges delayed in Tamworth court amid COVID-19 lockdown

Hamish Norman Harrison was set to formally enter pleas to the two charges in Tamworth District Court and have a sentence date set after he admitted to the allegations.

But, the court heard that could not happen during the hard lockdown currently in place in Tamworth and the matter was put off.

Defence barrister Steven Doupe said Harrison could not access a video link to enter pleas in court.

"Bail conditions mean he can't appear from home, as he can't have a mobile phone or computers," Mr Doupe told the court.

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He said Harrison was older than 60 and didn't feel comfortable going to his solicitor's office to access the internet during COVID lockdown.

"Not presently ready to proceed," Mr Doupe said.

Judge Deborah Payne acknowledged the health concerns.

"Alright, well if it's that I understand of course," she said. She asked if the case could return to court in the coming weeks.

"It will only depend upon whether the regions are out of specific lockdown such that my client feels comfortable," Mr Doupe said.

Plans were made to later arraign Harrison "safely".

The court heard he cannot be sentenced yet as the defence waits on a specialist medical report.

Harrison has admitted to two counts of possessing or controlling child abuse material using a carriage service.

He was arrested by detectives in East Tamworth in September last year and has been on strict bail.

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