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:
- 1 x Sexual intercourse with a child under 10
- 2 x Act of gross indecency with a child under 10
- 4 x Indecent dealings with a child under 10
- 4 x Produce child abuse material
- 1 x Fail to comply with order
- 1 x Groom a child under 16
He was further remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 18 January 2023.
Detective Acting Superintendent Justin Bentley said "This arrest was the result of extensive work from NT Police and our 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. We have a dedicated professional team that will leave no stone unturned to bring these people to justice."
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.
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 (ACCCE) 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.
