Alfredton man faces court on child sex charges

A COMMITTAL hearing has been set for an Alfredton man accused of sexually assaulting five young girls.John William MacFie, 70, is facing 44 charges, including six counts of sexual penetration of a child under 16, 10 counts of committing an indecent act with a child under 16 and 15 counts of committing an indecent act in the presence of a child under 16.MacFie is alleged to have committed the offences against five girls, aged between 13 and 16, in Ballarat earlier this year.He appeared in custody at Ballarat Magistrates Court today and did not apply for bail.MacFie's committal hearing has been set for October 27.It is expected to go for three days.