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AAP Accused child predator and Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes is back in Australia to fight 11 child sex charges. The 64-year-old was escorted by NSW police on a flight from London that landed at Sydney Airport about 7.30am (AEDT) on Thursday. Hughes had previously consented to an order sought by Australia’s attorney-general that he be extradited to Sydney in relation to allegations he abused five young girls between 1984 and 1990. An army of media staked out the usual exits at the international terminal but did not get a glimpse of the actor until he arrived at Sydney Police Centre in the CBD, where detectives charged him. Advertisement His wife Robyn Gardiner arrived days before and was present in Central Local Court where Hughes made a brief appearance. He wore a grey and white striped shirt and blue jeans and appeared weary from the long journey but did not express emotion as he sat in the dock. Police prosecutor Michael Chillari did not oppose bail and Magistrate Julie Huber accepted Hughes’ offer of $50,000 as surety. Outside court, his lawyer Greg Walsh said Hughes was relieved about getting bail but would spend little time outside his small rented apartment in Sydney’s CBD. “It’s going to be very difficult for him,” he told reporters. “He’ll be residing in a room not much bigger than a cell. “But I don’t think he’ll be leaving his room except to go and report to police.” Hughes must report to Surry Hills police station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and must not approach any crown witnesses. He must surrender all passports, not apply for any travel documents and not go within one kilometre of any point of international departure. Mr Walsh noted that Hughes was interviewed years ago over the child sex allegations by detectives at Chatswood police station. At that time he denied any wrongdoing and he continues to maintain his innocence. Mr Walsh met him for the first time in person on Thursday. “He seems to be a fairly quiet sort of man but very determined and very resolute,” he said. The evidence amassed was extensive, he said, and the case would be difficult for both sides since the allegations date back 28 years. Hughes’ wife declined to speak to AAP when she rushed out of the courthouse. Sex Crimes Squad commander John Kerlatec said all Hughes’ alleged victims were pleased the investigation had “progressed to this stage”. “We’ve been in close contact with all the (alleged) victims (and) they’ve been made fully aware of our progress,” Det Supt Kerlatec told reporters. He said more than 200 people had been interviewed by police since the investigation began in 2010, and the investigation was nearly complete unless any other alleged victims came forward. Hughes played the lead role of Martin Kelly in the hit sitcom series Hey Dad! which ran from 1987 until 1994. His case will come before the Downing Centre Local Court on January 29.

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Hey Dad! star on bail on child sex charges