Wayne Robert Mulhearn, of Mount Hall Road, Raymond Terrace, appeared in court handcuffed and wearing his blue Hunter Valley Buses uniform.

Mulhearn was allegedly working as a bus driver in 2008 when he met the alleged victim, who was 12 at the time and cannot be identified because of her age.

Mulhearn sent the girl gifts, including a gold necklace and roses, a police statement said.

He was charged with procuring the girl for sexual activity, indecent assault, and inciting her to commit an act of indecency.

Police alleged Mulhearn communicated with the victim via SMS and social networking websites.

Mulhearn allegedly made several attempts to meet the girl, and they eventually met in November 2009.

The police statement said the girl's parents and teachers became aware Mulhearn had been contacting her when he sent flowers to her school this month.

Central Hunter detectives arrested Mulhearn on Monday afternoon. They later searched his home and seized a computer.

Mulhearn told the court registrar yesterday he had "no choice" but to remain in custody because he did not know anyone who would post a surety for bail.

"There could be [someone willing to post bail], but I don't want them to know what I'm in for," Mulhearn said.

"I've got nowhere to stay anyway."

In opposing bail, Senior Constable Gordon Hamilton told the court that "further charges are likely" in the matter.

Mulhearn had not spoken to a solicitor before the hearing. He will appear in Maitland Local Court today.