A man described as a "prolific family violence offender" allegedly groomed and raped his five-year-old niece while babysitting the child.

The 36-year-old uncle, who is not named to protect the alleged victim's identity, denied child sexual abuse charges when he faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 9.

He was refused bail over numerous court concerns about his conditional release, including harassing the "very vulnerable young person" and failing to appear.

"I do think that given the history of family violence offending in particular, and offending generally, there is a likelihood of further offending," special magistrate Lucinda Wilson said.

"The risks to the community are too grave."

The court heard the man had an extensive criminal history and that he breached NSW se

See Full Page