A MAN described by police as one of the worst child sex offenders in Victoria has been denied bail.Giving evidence yesterday at Bendigo Magistrates Court, Detective Senior Constable Danny McQuinn said Dennis Alfred Goudge, 55, was a sexual predator.Goudge faces 58 charges, including multiple counts of rape, sexual penetration of a child under 10, sexual penetration of a child under 16 and indecent assault.Detective McQuinn told the court that in August last year, a woman claimed to police she had been repeatedly sexually abused by Goudge since the late 1970s when she was aged seven.A subsequent investigation had led officers to six people who claimed to have been assaulted between 1978 and 1994.All the offending is alleged to have occurred in Goudge’s home or car.Detective McQuinn said the alleged victims were known to Goudge and his family.Several of them are siblings, and there are accusations that Goudge encouraged siblings and other children to have sex with each other.Detective McQuinn said the alleged offences occurred in several Victorian towns, and another 15 possible victims had made contact with police since media reports of Goudge’s arrest last month.The court was told police would allege that Goudge used tactics to lure children he would later assault, including promises of singing lessons, driving lessons and fishing trips.“He is not an innocent old man that he might present to this court,’’ Detective McQuinn said.The court was told Goudge falsified army documents and claimed to have served in Vietnam, where he suffered from the effects of Agent Orange.He also claimed to suffer from leukaemia.“We’re talking about a man who over the years has fabricated stories,’’ Detective McQuinn said. “He preyed on the good nature and trust of people.’’ Goudge was an extremely serious risk to any community he lived in and had an aggressive, nasty and dark side.Detective McQuinn said his own life was threatened during a recorded interview with Goudge.Defence barrister Nadia Kaddeche argued that strict bail conditions could satisfy the court.“Would you have Dennis Goudge live next to you?’’ Detective McQuinn said.“There is no condition that would prevent him from offending in this community.’’Ms Kaddeche said she still believed the risk could be alleviated with a curfew.Magistrate Bruce Cottrill said the accusations were extensive and significant.“They are allegations of callous predatory behaviour against children as young as four.’’Goudge was remanded in custody and ordered to reappear on May 27 for a committal mention.