Former scout leader to face court over historical sexual abuse

A former scout leader will appear at court today charged over the alleged historical sexual abuse against a boy on Sydney's North Shore.

In October 2018, detectives from North Shore Police Area Command established Strike Force Span to investigate reports of ongoing sexual abuse against a 14-year-old boy by a man known to him in the 1990s.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 56-year-old man at Sydney International Airport about 8.30am yesterday (Wednesday 4 March 2020).

He was taken to Mascot Police Station, where he was charged with five counts of aggravated sex assault- victim under the age of 16 years, and two counts of aggravated indecent assault- victim under the age of 16 years.

Police will allege in court that the man, who was a scout leader, sexually and indecently assaulted the boy at scout camps held overseas, across NSW and at a home in St Ives between 1994 and 1995.

The man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 5 March 2020).

Investigations under Strike Force Span are continuing.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Span investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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