Lightning Ridge man charged with grooming Wollongong boy

A Lightning Ridge man has been charged following an investigation into the alleged grooming of a child in Wollongong.

In March 2020, detectives from Wollongong Police District commenced an investigation following reports an unknown man had sent an explicit letter to a school in the Wollongong area, directed at a 10-year-old boy.

Following extensive inquiries, Wollongong detectives – with the assistance of officers from Central North Police District – executed a search warrant at a home in Lightning Ridge yesterday (Wednesday 13 May 2020).

Police seized child abuse material, among other items.

A 74-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lighting Ridge Police Station, where he was charged with one count of groom child under 14 years for unlawful sexual activity, and two counts of possess child abuse material.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Walgett Local Court on 23 June 2020.

Inquiries are continuing.

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