A man has been charged by the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad over the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a girl in Sydney’s north west.
Just before 5.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 28 April 2020), a 12-year-old girl was reported missing to police after she failed to meet her family as pre-arranged.
Police have been told the girl was at a skate park at Dartford Road, Thornleigh, earlier in the afternoon and was seen leaving with an unknown man and his young child.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, with assistance from Kuring-Gai Police Area Command, commenced an investigation under Strike Force Kangoo.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 37-year-old man at a home in Dural just after 1.15am today (Tuesday 29 April 2020).
The 12-year-old girl was also located at the property and has been taken to hospital for assessment.
A crime scene was established at the home and a vehicle was seized a short distance away, which will be forensically examined.
The man was taken to Hornsby Police Station and charged with three offences including –
Take and detain with intent to obtain advantage
Aggravated sexual intercourse child between 10 and 14 years
Sexually touch another person without consent
Police will allege in court that the man met the girl at the skate park on Tuesday (28 April 2020), before taking her in his vehicle with the other child to the Dural home.
It will be further alleged the girl was sexually assaulted by the man while in the vehicle and at the home.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 30 April 2020).
The other child remains in the care of family.
Investigations under Strike Force Kangoo 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.
