This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Northern Territory Police Force
A 32-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl is due to face Darwin Local Court today (Thursday 16 April) after a Northern Territory Child Abuse Taskforce (NT CAT) investigation.
Police will allege the man, from a remote community in the NT, sexually abused the 13-year-old girl on two separate occasions between January and December 2018.
The NT CAT investigation, involving Australian Federal Police and Northern Territory Police Force officers, began after a complaint was made to authorities late last month.
The 32-year-old man was arrested yesterday (Wednesday, 15 April) and was refused police bail to appear in court today.
He has been charged with two counts of sexual intercourse without consent, contrary to section 192 of the Criminal Code (NT). This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Acting Commander Child Protection Operations Paula Hudson said AFP officers and their state and territory partners are working tirelessly to identify and prosecute anyone who preys on our children, whether the offending is online or physical.
“We want to assure the community that we remain focused on combatting the sexual exploitation of children, including historical matters, and predators should not think the COVID-19 pandemic provides them an opportunity to avoid scrutiny,” she said.
NT Police Force Commander Crime, Martin Dole, said:
“Our commitment to the protection of children remains a priority. This behaviour has a long lasting and detrimental effect on our kids and we will continue to target this abhorrent type of offending, nationally and internationally, working alongside our partner law enforcement agencies and key stakeholders.”
The NT CAT is a joint agency team comprising the AFP, NT Police Force and Territory Families.
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child exploitation offences are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the Report Abuse button at www.accce.gov.au/report
