A HALLAM resident and former Greater Dandenong mayor has been charged with more than 10 sexual offences against a child under 16 years of age.

Gregory Thomas Harris appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last week to answer 13 counts of sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16 and two counts of knowingly possessing child pornography.

The 54-year-old served as mayor in 1997.

Harris was remanded in custody and is due to appear again before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Friday).