Northern Territory Police have charged a man in relation to child sexual offences in Palmerston.
On 21 October 2022, Detectives from the NT Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team, The Child Abuse Taskforce and the Australian Federal Police executed a search warrant on a 44-year-old man's residence in Palmerston. A number of electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.
On Friday 25 November 2022, detectives arrested the man at his residence where he was later charged with a total of 13 child abuse-related offences. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.
Detective Acting Superintendent Justin Bentley said the arrest was the result of extensive work from NT Police and federal counterparts.
"The NT Forensic Science Branch provided vital information that assisted investigators in laying these charges.
"Our message to offenders is clear, access and transmit child abuse material, you will be found and you will be prosecuted," he said.
AFP spokesperson Superintendent Mal Bickford said the investigation highlighted how closely police around Australia worked together to combat the exploitation and abuse of children.
"Our common goal is to protect children, wherever they live, and to ensure anyone who tries to harm them is identified and brought before the courts," Superintendent Bickford said.
The man was charged with:
- One count of aexual intercourse with a child under 10
- Two counts of act of gross indecency with a child under 10
- Four counts of indecent dealings with a child under 10
- Four counts of produce child abuse material
- One count of fail to comply with order, and
- One count of groom a child under 16.
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestoppers.com.au/.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the 'Report Abuse' button at www.accce.gov.au/report."
The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
