WA Nationals MP James Hayward is facing multiple charges over the alleged sexual abuse of an 8-year-old girl earlier this year.

The upper house member for the South West has been charged with three counts of indecent dealings with a child under 13 years, one count of procuring a child under 13 to do an indecent act and one count of persistent sexual conduct.

He faced the Perth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he was granted bail with strict conditions.

Mr Hayward was the Vice President of the Nationals federal branch and served as State President between 2015 and 2019.

He also served as a City of Bunbury Councillor.

He is due back in court later this month.

Image: WAToday