A Figtree man who tried to coax a 12-year-old boy into the toilets at Westfield Warrawong will re-appear in court today to determine whether he confessed to "uncontrollable sexual urges".
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Mohamed Alnaghy, 59, pleaded guilty to the incident in Wollongong Local Court yesterday after handing himself into police on Tuesday afternoon.
Despite the confession, solicitor Aaron Kernaghan, acting for Alnaghy, denied his client had admitted to the "urges" during a police interview, telling the court the words were not said.
Opposing Alnaghy's bid for bail, prosecutor Sergeant Shannon Ryan said the "urges" were a significant factor in the bail application, particularly in determining whether he was a risk to the community.
Police allege Alnaghy repeatedly tried to coax the youngster into the public toilets before he led him into a fire exit and forced him up against a wall.
The boy managed to escape and notify security.
Alnaghy turned himself into Lake Illawarra police station on Tuesday afternoon, allegedly telling police: "I'm sorry; I regret it totally; I should be punished, I did something wrong ..."
He was charged with procuring a child under 14 years for sexual activity.
Mr Kernaghan said Alnaghy, a former high school science teacher, could offer a $1000 cash surety, had strong community ties and would comply with "house arrest" if necessary.
He would also agree to avoid all shopping centres and not enter the Warrawong area, the court heard.
