Michael Philpot, 58, of Young, had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge of using a carriage service to procure a person under the age of 16 years.

This Commonwealth offence - which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years jail - was dropped on Thursday in the ACT Magistrates Court.

Philpot is expected to enter a plea for the alternate charge before the court next week.

He appeared briefly before Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker wearing a blazer and a tie. There was a small group in the public gallery during the proceedings.