Further charges laid against former scout leader in Sydney’s north shore

Detectives have laid an additional nine charges against a former scout leader after alleged historical sexual abuse on Sydney’s North Shore.

In October 2018, detectives from North Shore Police Area Command established Strike Force Span to investigate reports of ongoing sexual abuse against a then aged 14-year-old boy by a man known to him in the 1990s.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 56-year-old man at Sydney International Airport on Wednesday 4 March 2020.

He was charged with seven offences and remains before the courts.

Following further investigations, investigators have since laid an additional nine charges, including five counts of aggravated indecent assault – victim under the age of 16 years, two counts of aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years, and two counts of sexual assault indecent act with person under the age of 16.

Police will allege in court that the former scout leader, sexually and indecently assaulted an additional five boys, then aged between 12 and 15, at various within NSW and overseas between 1986 and 1995.

The man is remanded in custody and is next due to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 23 July 2020).

Investigations under Strike Force Span are continuing.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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