The man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in the New South Wales Hunter region has been identified.

Brett David Hill, 47, appeared via a video link to Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday.

He was wearing a green prison jumper and spent much of the hearing with his head in his hands and shaking his head.

He has been charged with 11 offences, including kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault.

Police allege the girl was on her way to school last Tuesday when she was approached by a man, who was claiming to have a knife.

She was then allegedly forced into a car and assaulted, before being released hours later at a train station.

A non-publication order on his name was put in place on Sunday over fears for his safety in prison and the public's interest in the case.

Mr Hill's lawyer Robert Hussey told the court the case has triggered intense community anger and his client has already been threatened in prison, with a person telling him "you should watch yourself or you will die".

"This is a unique case given the media coverage it's received and anger in the community, given the brazenness of the attack," Mr Hussey said.

He said his client had "well founded concerns to his safety".

Mr Hussey said Mr Hill's reputation had been "shattered already" and also raised concerns about prejudicing a jury if his identity was released.

However, Magistrate Robert Stone said the overriding principle was one of "open justice" and that any safety concerns could be managed by placing Mr Hill in an individualised cell.

"I accept, from my own knowledge and background of the way some inmates treat others, there could be some retaliatory violence inflicted," Mr Stone said.

"But this can be covered by … protective custody on a cell on his own."

'Others could come forward'

The prosecution argued the publication of Mr Hill's identity may lead to other people coming forward.

"One further complainant had come forward with respect to the matter," the prosecution said.

It also said it had provided preliminary DNA evidence.

Police have previously said they have strong circumstantial evidence against Mr Hill, who was arrested after officers stopped his car in a bustling cafe and shopping area near the city.

Police said they were overwhelmed with public support in the case, saying they were flooded with calls and crucial CCTV from local businesses and dashcam footage from a bus helped lead to Mr Hill's arrest.

They have previously said that Mr Hill was unemployed and led a nomadic life, couch surfing before his arrest.

His case is due to be heard again on August 15.