Amateur photographer charged over sexual abuse of teenage client, NSW

Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged an amateur photographer over the alleged sexual abuse of a teenage client.

In July this year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad established Strike Force McIvor to investigate reports a teenage girl had been sexually abused during photo shoots.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 29-year-old man as he left a home at Hurstville about 4.40am on Tuesday (21 December 2021).

Shortly after the arrest, police executed a search warrant at the home, where they seized mobile phones, computers, hard disk drives, photography equipment, a gel-blaster pistol, an extendable baton, a small Samurai-style sword, and an unknown crystal-like substance.

The man was taken to Kogarah Police Station and charged with 31 offences including; aggravated sex assault – victim under the age of 16, sexual intercourse without consent, have sexual intercourse with person aged between 14 and 16 years, sexually touch another person without consent, indecent assault person under 16 years of age, and use child over 14 years to make child abuse material.

Police will allege in court that the man sexually abused the girl on multiple occasions during photo shoots across Sydney between January 2018 and February 2020, when the girl was aged between 13 and 16.

He appeared at Sutherland Local Court the same day, where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 23 December 2021).

Investigations under Strike Force McIvor 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.

Victims of sexual violence are encouraged to access free and confidential trauma specialist counselling through organisations such as Full Stop Australia: https://fullstop.org.au.

Anyone with concerns about suspected sexual violence, or the abuse and/or exploitation children 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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