The accused aged in his 50s did not appear in court but was represented by a solicitor as the matter was mentioned on Wednesday, 10 months after he was charged and remanded in custody.

Magistrate Paul Hayes noted that on the previous occasion, the papers had been marked as must proceed to committal.

But on Wednesday the Crown applied for a further adjournment, making submissions about why more time should be granted.

Two of the charges carried a maximum penalty of life in prison, he said.

The defence had made an offer in September, the court heard.

Since then, there had been a “series of further offers and counter offers”, the Crown said.

“Our joint view is the matter is making progress,” he said.

Mr Hayes said he understood and adjourned the matter to November 7.

Police allege the man who was working on a house at Wellington persuaded an eight-year-old girl to get into his vehicle about 12.30pm on December 9.

The man was arrested and charged the same day with aggravated sexual assault - victim under the age of 16 years, take person with intent to commit a serious indictable offence, sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10, procure child to produce child abuse material and produce child abuse material.

Further charges of procure child aged under 14 years to produce child abuse material and produce child abuse material were subsequently laid.

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