By Holly Thompson and Rebecca Peppiatt
A Perth miner charged with sexually assaulting multiple women, filming them and distributing photos of them walked out of court on Friday after a magistrate granted him bail with strict conditions not to visit dating sites.
Michael McConnaughty, 27, from Morley is alleged to have sexually assaulted three women he met through various sites including Bumble, Tinder and Hinge between 2019 and 2023.
Michael John McConnaughty has been charged with offences relating to four women, some of which he met through dating sites.
One of the women was an ex-girlfriend, while two others he met online and had brief relationships with them.
A fourth woman was also allegedly recorded by McConnaughty but was unaware it had happened until police found the recording on his phone.
Police allege the drive-in, drive-out mining employee filmed one of the victims without her consent, before threatening to distribute images taken from the recording.
He faces five counts of sexual penetration without consent and one of attempted sexual penetration without consent, two counts of aggravated sexual penetration without consent and one count of aggravated indecent assault.
He has also been charged with threatening to distribute an intimate image, using an optical surveillance device to record a private activity, unlawful and indecent assault, and impeding another person’s normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the neck.
Police prosecutors were opposed to bail, saying there was “strong evidence” against him.
“There is evidence to indicate the accused has gone along to use recording devices to take derogatory photos,” they said.
“On at least another occasion he has gone along and taken photos of victims in a way that you probably wouldn’t want to reach light of day.”
Police said McConnaughty should remain in prison until the matter was dealt with by the courts to protect the alleged victims, as well as others that may come forward.
But a defence lawyer said it was unclear why the 2019 matter cropped up now and that the issues were a matter of consent.
“He’s provided his mobile phone to police,” the lawyer said at a bail application on Friday.
“He thought he had nothing to hide.”
Inspector Geoff DeSanges encouraged anyone with information to come forward and issued a general warning to people who use dating apps.
“Online dating sites don’t provide any background checks, it’s a user beware platform,” he said.
“Are you meeting the person that they are purporting to be, or are you meeting someone entirely different? Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to report anything suspicious to police.
“If you are inclined to commit offences against people using these apps, we are going to come for you.”
McConnaughty will face court again on June 30.
The investigation is ongoing and detectives urge anyone with information relating to this matter, or any similar incidents, to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestopperswa.com.au.
If you are or have been a victim of sexual abuse, or if you have information about someone being abused, please contact police on 131 444.