Police lay charges over grooming and sexual touching of young girl - Riverina Region

A man has been charged over the alleged grooming and sexual touching of a young girl in the state's Riverina region.

In February this year, detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a young girl had been sexually touched by a man known to her.

Following extensive inquiries, officers arrested a 44-year-old man at Wagga Wagga Police Station about 10am today (Thursday 15 July 2021).

He was charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touch child under 10 years, four counts of intentionally sexually touch child (between 10 and 16 years) and groom child under 14 years for unlawful sexual activity.

Police will allege in court that the man bought the girl gifts and sexually touched her on several occasions between January 2019 and February this year, when she was aged between nine and 11.

The man was refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Thursday 15 July 2021), where he was granted bail to reappear at the same court on Tuesday 3 August 2021.

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.

Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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