Police charge man over grooming and sexual abuse of young girl - Wollondilly Shire

PLEASE NOTE: Media are reminded of their obligations under s15A of the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 and s105 of the Children and Young Person (Care and Protection) Act 1998.

Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man over the alleged grooming and sexual abuse of a young girl south-west of Sydney.

In August this year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a young girl had been sexually abused by a man she had met on social media.

Following extensive inquiries, a 22-year-old man was arrested at a home in the state's Macarthur region about 8am yesterday (Thursday 7 October 2021).

A search warrant was executed, where police seized a mobile phone and clothing that will undergo further examination.

He was taken to Narellan Police Station and charged with use carriage service to groom under 16 years for sex, two counts of have sexual intercourse with child between 14 and 16 years, intentionally sexually touch child between 10 and 16 years, intentionally do sexual act with child between 10 and 16 years, use carriage service to solicit child abuse material and use carriage service to send indecent material.

Police will allege in court that the man groomed the 14-year-old girl on a social media platform, before meeting with her in June and July 2021, where he sexually abused her.

The man was refused bail to appear before Picton Local Court (Friday 8 October 2021).

Information and educational packages for parents and children are available from ThinkUKnow, a multi-agency program designed to educate and promote cyber safety: https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/

The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

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