A Ballina man arrested this week over the alleged sexual assault of a vulnerable woman has previously spent time in jail before later being released into supervised care.

Steven John Kelly, 37, appeared in custody by video link before Judge Lisa Viney at Ballina Local Court on May 7.

Police allege a vulnerable woman was sexually assaulted at a West Ballina home last year.

Following a nine-month investigation by Richmond Police District officers, Kelly was arrested at Grafton Police Station on May 6.

He was charged with entering a home with intent and aggravated sexual assault of a person with a cognitive impairment.

Kelly also faced six other charges before Ballina Local Court, including entering a building or land with intent to commit a serious offence, entering enclosed land without lawful excuse, and four domestic violence-related property damage charges.

No pleas were entered to any of the eight charges.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

The latest charges come after Kelly was jailed over a December 2024 incident in River Street Ballina, where police alleged he threatened bank staff with a black and blue toy pistol.

NewsCorp reported at the time that court documents alleged Kelly entered the bank with the fake gun tucked into the waistband of his pants before threatening to shoot an employee in the legs.

The report said police later located Kelly allegedly carrying the fake firearm.

Court records show Kelly later spent about six months in custody before being released into the care of a responsible person and directed to attend a health service within seven days.

NewsCorp also reported court documents alleged Kelly committed an aggravated break and enter at a Ballina home weeks before the bank incident while allegedly knowing a woman was inside the property.

Mr Kelly will remain in custody.

He is due to reappear in Ballina Local Court on May 21 on the six separate charges.

The two charges linked to the alleged sexual assault are due back before the court on July 16.

This image of a man alleged to be Steven Kelly was given to police after the person was captured on camera attempting to enter homes in Swift Street in November 2025,  five months after Kelly was released from jail over the toy gun incident.

Main Image: Steven John Kelly – Facebook