ARREST: The man accused of allegedly sexually assaulting six boys around NSW, including in Tamworth, Moree and Narrabri, was arrested in Port Macquarie on Tuesday. Photo: State Crime Command
A 50-year-old man faced Port Macquarie Court yesterday in relation to alleged assaults against six boys between 1998 and 2012 in NSW.
The man, who was a truck driver at the time of the offences, was arrested at Port Macquarie just before 11am on Tuesday following a four-month-long operation by the Child Abuse Squad and Mid North Coast Local Area Command.
He was charged with 23 offences relating to child abuse, including sexual intercourse with child under 10, sexual intercourse with child 10-14, aggravated indecent assault, and commit act of indecency.
Police allege the six boys were aged between nine and 14 at the time of the assaults, with some of the boys assaulted on a number of occasions over a period of years.
The assaults are alleged to have taken place at Tamworth, Narrabri, Moree, Penrith, Kingswood Park and Wauchope.
Police allege several offences relating to different boys occurred in Tamworth.
Investigations are continuing and police ask anyone with information to come forward, particularly those in the locations listed.
The man was refused bail to appear before Port Macquarie Local Court on May 23.
A suppression order has been placed on the man’s name and details of the case to protect the victims.
The NSW Police Force thoroughly investigates all reports of sexual abuse and urges anyone who has been a victim to come forward, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
The Child Abuse Squad comprises detectives who are specially trained to investigate crimes against children, including sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse and serious cases of neglect.
The squad works in partnership with the Department of Family and Community Services and NSW Health.