Additional charges laid against Wollongong cricket coach over child grooming, indecent acts, NSW

Detectives have laid an additional six additional charges against a cricket coach following an investigation into the alleged grooming of teenage boys he was coaching.

In December 2019, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a 15-year-old boy had been groomed by a man who was known to him.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives charged a 31-year-old man in January 2020. He remains before the courts.

Following further investigations, the man was charged with six additional offences last Thursday (12 March 2020).

The charges include groom child under 14 years for unlawful sexual activity (x2), groom child between 14 and 16 years for unlawful sexual activity (x2) and aggravated sexual act child between 10 and 16 (x2).

Police will allege in court that the man groomed a further two boys – aged between 12 and 15 – in the Illawarra area in 2015 and 2016.

It will be further alleged the man carried out sexual acts in the presence of one of the boys.

The man remains on conditional bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today (Wednesday 18 March 2020).

Investigations are continuing.

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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