Port Macquarie man in court after alleged sexual assault of boy groomed via social media

Earlier this week, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a 14-year-old boy had been sexually assaulted by a man he met on a social media application.

Following extensive investigations, detectives, assisted by officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District, arrested a 50-year-old man at a home in the Port Macquarie area about 2.45pm on April 29.

The man's phone was also seized and examined.

He was taken to Port Macquarie Police Station and charged with three counts of sexual intercourse with child aged 10-16, two counts of sexual touching of child aged 10-16, and possess child abuse material.

Police will allege in court that the man sexually abused the boy in the Port Macquarie area on Saturday, April 25.

The man appeared at Coffs Harbour Local Court today (April 30), where he was refused bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Thursday, June 11.

Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, Commander of the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, has warned that now more than ever young people need to be aware of the dangers of connecting with strangers online.

"With so many children using the internet for longer periods due to COVID-19 restrictions, this increases the opportunities for predators to interact with them online," Detective Superintendent Kerlatec said.

"We urge parents to be aware of their children's activities online, what sites they are visiting, what apps they have on their phones and importantly who they are talking to."

Investigations are continuing.

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